USL Rochester Rhinos

Rochester and Wilmington Play to Scoreless Draw

July 19, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - The Rochester Rhinos and Wilmington Hammerheads played to a scoreless draw in a match that was abandoned due to lightning after the first 45 minutes of play on Friday, July 19th 2013 in Sahlen's Stadium.

The match kicked off with heavy weather rolling into the City of Rochester, and the Rhinos opened play with a heavy wind blowing into their faces.

Wilmington had the first chance of the match in the 14th minute. Hammerheads striker Mickael Oliveira put the Rochester Rhinos back four under pressure and caused a turnover at the top of the home side's penalty area. Oliveira had the time and space to put a shot on goal, but it was right at Rhinos goalkeeper Kristian Nicht.

Wilmington put the Rhinos under more pressure in the 22nd minute. Right midfielder Cory Elenio took a throw in from 30 yards out on the right flank, and he played the ball to right back Shawn Nicklaw. Nicklaw settled the throw-in and gave the ball back to Elenio. Elenio cut inside on his left foot and dribbled to the top of the Rhinos box before he blistered a shot on goal. Nicht was able to parry the ball over the cross bar. Nicht was then called on to punch successive corner kicks to safety from inside the six yard box before Rochester was able to end the Hammerheads threat.

Match official Jose Carlos Rivera stopped the match due to lightning in the area around the stadium at 8:03PM in the 24th minute. Play resumed at 8:43PM after a 40 minute delay.

The Rhinos had their best chance of the first half in the 34th minute. New signing Rudolph Mayard played the ball forward to striker Blake Brettschneider just as he was being tackled at the midfield stripe. Brettschneider took a touch and then sent the ball through to his strike partner Matt Horth. Horth dribbled to the top of the Hammerheads box before he blistered a shot that beat Wilmington goalkeeper Troy Hernandez but bounced off the crossbar and clear.

The first half ended scoreless.

Both teams returned to the pitch after the half time intermission, and play was set to resume at 9:20PM. However Rivera spotted lightning for the second time and ordered the players to clear the field. The match was abandoned at 10:15PM and finished in a 0:0 draw.

The Rochester Rhinos will host Antigua Barracuda FC in their next home match on Sunday, July 28th at 4:05PM in Sahlen's Stadium. Individual tickets are currently available, and they can be purchased by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Individual tickets, group tickets and flex packages for the 2013 USL PRO season are also on sale now.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 19, 2013


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