USL Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Top Niagara University 6:1 in a Frigid Friday Friendly

Published on March 6, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


NORTH CHILI, NY - The Rochester Rhinos opened their 2015 exhibition schedule with a 6:1 victory over Niagara University at Roberts Wesleyan College on Friday, March 6th 2015. Second year front runner Colin Rolfe scored two goals and added one assist for the Rhinos, while trialist Marcos Ugarte impressed with one goal and one assist for Rochester.

The temperature was 21 degrees Fahrenheit when the match kick off at 6PM, and fell into the teens as the ninety minute match was contested. As a result of the frigid temperatures patches of ice were scattered across the artificial turf making play treacherous at times for both teams.

As is his tradition Rochester Rhinos head coach Bob Lilley used the first friendly of the season to evaluate the trialists that he has invited into training camp. Lilley's starting 11 featured nine players on trial as only fourth year goalkeeper Brandon Miller and defender Sean Totsch were the only starters who are currently under contract.

The Niagara University Purple Eagles scored the first goal of the match against the run of play. Senior central midfielder Fabrizio Chiari broke up an errant Rhinos pass, and sophomore midfielder Jordy Robins was able to gain possession of the ball for the visitors. Robins caught Rochester's back four pushing forward in the moment of transition, and he was able to play a ball in behind the defense for senior midfielder Andrew Ferguson to run onto. Ferguson was one-on-one with Miller, and although the Rhinos goalkeeper was quick off his line to cut down Ferguson's shooting angle, he was unable to prevent Niagara from taking the lead.

The Rochester Rhinos responded with two first half goals to take a 2:1 lead into halftime. Totsch scored the equalizer for the Rhinos off of a set piece. Trialist right back Matheau Hall, a USL veteran who has played with the Orange County Blues and Richmond Kickers, made an overlapping run down the right touchline for Rochester that drew the attention of Niagara defender Zachary Newton who fouled Hall 25 yards out from the Purple Eagles goal. Ugarte took the free kick from the right flank and whipped in a service that found the head of Totsch 12 yards out on the far post. The Rhinos rookie was able to keep his composure and beat Niagara goalkeeper Joel Gerberich with a header for the equalizer. Ugarte scored what would be the eventual match winning goal late in the first half.

Lilley rang in the changes in the second half and eventually made nine substitutions as every starter but trialist defender Delmiro came off.

Returning Rhinos right back Pat McMahon, midfielder Jonny Mendoza, and Rolfe all played their first minutes of the 2015 season in the second half.

The Rochester Rhinos four goals in the second half put the match out of reach for Niagara University. Trialist forward and Canisius College product Asani Samuels scored the first goal of the second half off of an assist from Greek trialist forward Stavros Tsoulakos. Rolfe scored the fourth and fifth goals of the match off of assists from former University of Michigan standout midfielder Tyler Arnone and Providence College product Fabio Machado. Trialist Christian Volesky rounded out the scoring off of an assist from Rolfe with ten minutes left in the match.

The Rochester Rhinos next exhibition match is a friendly against the University of Buffalo on Sunday, March 8th 2015 at 2PM at Roberts Wesleyan College.

Rochester opens their 2015 USL schedule on Saturday, March 28th 2015 at 2PM in Red Bulls Arena against the New York Red Bulls II. The Rhinos open their 20th season in Rochester with a 2:05PM kickoff in Sahlen's Stadium against the same New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, April 26th 2015.

Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages, and group sales tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling (585)454-KICK (5425) or by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium.

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