USL Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Defeat FC Buffalo 3-0 in RCSD School Day Soccer Match

Published on June 11, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


Rochester, NY - The Rochester Rhinos defeated FC Buffalo 3-0 in an 80 minute friendly at Sahlen's Stadium this morning in front of over 5,000 students and teachers from the Extended Day Learning program of the Rochester City School District in the 3rd annual "RCSD School Day Soccer Game". Goals from Asani Samuels, Drew Ruggles and Kenardo Forbes paced the Rhinos attack and Sean Murdoch earned the shutout in goal.

The Rhinos started 2 trialists in the match, US U17 International and Rochester native Nikkye De Point and New York City's Aiden Tucker, who has played the last 2 seasons in Germany. Two other trialists from Rochester, Cody Winter and Ngwese Ebangwese entered the match as substitutes in the second half.

The home side attacked FC Buffalo early in the match, with Michael Garzi and Sean Totsch earning 2 corners. The constant pressure paid in the 8th minute as former FC Buffalo forward Asani Samuels stole the ball 30 yards from goal, dribbled to the top of the penalty area with a defender draped on him and beat keeper Steve Casey to his left from 18 yards to open the scoring for the Rhinos.

Aiden Tucker played well at defensive midfield and had two excellent scoring chances midway through the first half, one forcing a save from Casey in close and the other a chip from 30 yards that went just over the bar.

In the final 10 minutes of the half, Marcos Ugarte continued his excellent play in recent matches, causing FC Buffalo problems on the left side and winning a free kick and a corner, both of which were aimed at Sean Totsch, whose size and skills troubled FC Buffalo throughout the half.

The Rhinos defense that leads the USL with just 4 goals conceded in 11 matches was in top form, not allowing FC Buffalo a shot in the half and keeping the visitors well away from goal, with keeper Murdoch not touching the ball until the 38th minute. The half ended with Asani Samuels' goal being the only tally for a 1-0 Rhinos lead.

Both teams substituted liberally throughout the match, with all field players earning minutes. FC Buffalo's best chance came in the 49th minute with substitute striker Scott Doney using his size to force the only save from Murdoch in the match on a header from 4 yards.

In the 54th minute, Alex Dixon came on for his first match action since the May 2nd match against FC Montreal. The Rhinos 2nd leading scorer combined with fellow subs Steevan dos Santos and Christian Volesky to set up Drew Ruggles for the Rhinos second goal in the 56th minute, a 20 yard left footed blast into the far corner.

Kenardo Forbes entered the match in the 60th minute and the Jamaican International finished the scoring in the 74th minute. Rhinos captain Tony Walls crossed from the deep left side across goal and Forbes volleyed home from close range to make it 3-0.

The match also marked the return of New England Revolution loanees Tyler Rudy and Timi Mulgrew to the Rhinos and Mulgrew nearly set up a 4th goal in stoppage time, crossing to Dos Santos in the box, but his header was well saved by Casey and the final whistle came right after that as the Rhinos won 3-0 over FC Buffalo.

After the match, Coach Bob Lilley said, "This match was about our guys getting some minutes. With 3 games coming up (in 6 days), we are able to get their legs back under them, because the games this coming week are going to be much more demanding than today was."

Today's free event was created to give RCSD students the opportunity to experience a professional soccer game at Sahlen's Stadium. The field trip included a boxed lunch and a complimentary book provided by RocRead. There were community partners at the stadium to interact with the students to discuss staying safe as the school year comes to a close and summer vacation begins.

As winners of the match, the Rochester Rhinos received the inaugural "DeRosa Cup" named after the late Sal DeRosa, a 2015 Rochester Soccer Hall of Fame inductee who coached the Syracuse Scorpions (ASL), Rochester Lancers (NASL), Buffalo Stallions (MISL) and Buffalo Blizzard (NPSL). George DeRosa, son of the late Sal DeRosa, represented the family at the match. Mr. DeRosa was instrumental in bringing the school day to Sahlen's Stadium after achieving tremendous success in a similar venture with the Buffalo Blizzard. Derosa's determination and desire led to the first "RCSD School Day Soccer Game" at Sahlen's Stadium in 2012.

The Rochester Rhinos and Rochester City School District would again like to thank the following partners for helping to make today's event happen: RCSD Administration, Monroe Ambulance, RocRead, Sahlen's Quality Meat Products and Wegmans.

The Rochester Rhinos return to USL action this Saturday, June 13 as the team welcomes Louisville City FC to Sahlen's Stadium for the first time ever. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 pm. The 8th annual "Bark at the Park" takes place this Saturday, where fans can bring their dogs to the match in the special "Bark Zone" at Sahlen's Stadium for only $10.00, which includes admission for 1 person, up to two dogs, free treats, and five raffle tickets. Five dollars of each "Bark Zone" ticket will be donated to Lollypop Farm.

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