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USL Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos End In Draw Against Charlotte

May 14, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


Rochester, NY - It was a chilly day in Rochester as the Rhinos took on the Charlotte Independence for the first time this season. The weather would be a factor for both teams as high winds occurred throughout the match leading to wide shots by both sides in nearly forty degree temperatures.

The Independence came out strong in the first half maintaining possession for a majority of it. Early on Rochester had the chance to score on a free kick but was unable to finish. Charlotte returned the favor not long after with a powerful cross into the box that Rochester's Samuel and Grinwis worked together to protect the Rhino's net. Charlottes goal keeper, Mizell, grabbed Kernardo's shot in the '17 minute, and remained a wall all game saving all nine of Rochester's shots.

Charlotte had their first shot of the game in the 29' minute by Martinez but it went wide. The Rhino's followed with three corner kicks in three minutes, none of which were as close to finishing as the header on net by Farrell. Rhinos followed with strong passing from the backfield, and strung passes together in the 33' minute with an attack from Dos Santos, who crossed to Garzi for a direct shot on goal that was once again saved by Mizell.

After a dull game on the pitch the teams headed into halftime with the score at 0-0.

Dos Santos opened the shots earlier on in the half, but sent it sailing over the crossbar. He then again followed up with a header right into the hands of Mizell on a Rhino's free kick. With fifteen minutes into the half, the Rhinos outshot the Independence 5-0.

The greatest opportunity for the Independence in the second half came as a result of a yellow card on Rochester's Samuels. A free kick just outside the eighteen taken by Martinez soared inches above the crossbar. Hoping to change the momentum, Charlotte subbed in Jorge Herrera for Zach Pfeffer in the 66' minute, and in the 77' minute sent in Hellmann for Estrada. Another opportunity to end the draw presented itself for Charlotte as Estrada perfectly chips the ball directly to the crossbar.

Halfway through the second, the Rhino's sent in Samuels, Ugarte, and new comer Sofiane hoping to change the pace of the game. The second half brought 50/50 possession by both teams, with neither having the advantage. In the 84' minute Michele Guilavogui made his Rochester Rhinos debut subbing in for Volesky.

With three minutes of stoppage time added on, Charlotte had a chance on a corner kick, but was cleared out by the strong Rhinos defense. The game ended in a draw at 0-0. Charlotte maintains their unbeaten streak as it grows to six, and the Rhinos are still without a loss at home. The Rhinos are now unbeaten in 24 straight home games.

Joe Farrell was chosen as the Rochester Rhinos Man of the Match.

The Rhinos take on Southie FC this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Rhinos Stadium in the Second Round of the U.S Open Cup. The Rhinos are offering a bonus "two for one" value ticket for the Open Cup match. Tickets are only $15 for any seat in the stadium, and includes admission to both the U.S Open Cup match, as well as the May 28 game against Bethlehem Steel at 6:05 p.m ($24 face value ticket).

Also available for this game is $25 Field Level Ticket, giving every fan the chance to experience this all new ultimate fan experience seating option. This offer is limited to the first 50 fans, who along with the Open Cup field level seat, also have a bonus Midfield ticket for the Rhinos home game on May 28 game against Bethlehem Steel.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 14, 2016


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