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USL-1 Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Host Thunder On Saturday

June 3, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


(Rochester, NY)... After dropping their second straight match on Saturday, the Rochester Rhinos will remain at home to face the Minnesota Thunder on Saturday, June 6 at Rhinos Stadium at 7:35 p.m.

Currently, the Rhinos are in fourth place in the First Division table with a 4-4-1 record, just one point ahead of the Puerto Rico Islanders. Rochester and the Thunder have a historic rivalry as the two sides faced each other with the USL-1 championship on the line for three consecutive years, meeting in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Rochester won in 1998 and 2000 as both teams captured league titles on their home fields.

Minnesota has yet to win a game this season in eight tries, going 0-5-3 in that span and losing four of their last five. Midfielder Ricardo Sanchez leads Minnesota offensively with a pair of goals and six points. The Rhinos reigning club MVP, Johnny Menyongar began his career with the Thunder scoring 51 goals from 2000 - 2005 and was a member of the Minnesota squad that lost the finals 3-1 at Frontier Field following the 2000 season.

OFFICER DIPONZIO TO BE HONORED AT HALFTIME

Saturday's match will feature a special "Guns and Hoses" charity soccer match featuring the Rochester Police Department taking on the Rochester Fire Department. The match will be two 40 minute halves and will benefit the Badge of Honor Association which honors Western New York police officers killed in the line of duty. The match kicks off at 4:30 p.m. right before the Rhinos match against the Minnesota Thunder and is open to the public..

As part of the charity match Rochester Police Officer Anthony DiPonzio will be honored at halftime by the Rhinos and presented with an honorary 2009 Rhinos jersey and a check from the proceeds of the charity soccer match.

In addition to the charity soccer match, all levels of law enforcement and fire safety will be represented and will feature displays throughout the main concourse. The displays will include fire trucks, police cars, as well as representatives of the Monroe County Sherriff's Department and the Rochester Police's Departments K-9 Unit and Mounted Patrols. Members of area law enforcement divisions will be invited to take part in the Rhinos pregame youth parade.

The first 5000 fans receive a soccer ball air freshener courtesy of Marina Dodge and the band Nightowl who will be performing both pre and post game. Ticket specials include the Family Pack which includes four (4) Reserved End tickets for $19.99 and one (1) $19.99 ticket in the Corner Kick Lounge which includes three 16 oz. drafts and all you can eat wings during the first half.



USL First Division Stories from June 3, 2009


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