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USL Rochester Rhinos

Rochester Enters 2015 U.S. Open Cup Wednesday Night

May 19, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - The Rochester Rhinos host Greater Binghamton FC Thunder of the National Premier Soccer League in the Second Round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt United States Open Cup at 7:05PM in Sahlen's Stadium on Wednesday, May 20th 2015.

The Rhinos are off to one of the three best starts in the club's twenty year history, and are currently the only undefeated side in the 24 team USL. Rochester is top of the 12 team Eastern Conference with a 6-0-3 record, and their 21 points is the highest point total in the American Third Division. The Rhinos four goals conceded in their first nine matches is tied with Louisville City FC for the best defensive record in USL. An improved attack this season has generated 110 shots in the first nine matches, the second highest total in USL, and 13 goals - the eighth best mark in the league.

Rochester will be playing a lower division opponent in the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the 18th time when they host Greater Binghamton FC on Wednesday night. The Rhinos have advanced in the previous 17 matches, but it hasn't always been through decisive results for Rochester. Seven of the 17 matches have been decided in added extra time, and one match was settled in penalty kicks. The Rhinos needed added extra time to advance in both of their fixtures against PDL opponents last season. In the 2014 Second Round Levi Houpeau and Onua Thomas Obasi scored goals in a 2:1 victory over Western Mass Pioneers (PDL). In the Third Round Reading United (PDL) actually took the lead in Sahlen's Stadium in the 66th minute before Jonny Mendoza finished an Alex Dixon cross, and Houpeau scored the winner in the 119th minute.

Despite the strong start to 2015 in league play, Rochester Rhinos USL Hall of Fame Head Coach Bob Lilley is not taking anything for granted in Wednesday night's match.

"There's a big difference between the regular season and the (Lamar Hunt U.S.) Open Cup." Lilley said. "The old adage is that the regular season isn't a sprint, it's a marathon, and there's definitely some truth to that. There's 28 chances to pick up points in USL this season, but on Wednesday night it comes down to the result of one match. Whether it's settled in 90 minutes, or we need overtime like we did last year against Western Mass in this round, there's a finality to Wednesday night's game. Someone will advance, and someone will be eliminated from the tournament."

Greater Binghamton FC Thunder advanced in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time last Wednesday night when they eliminated the Western Mass Pioneers four to three on penalties in the First Round of the 2015 tournament. Ryan Taylor opened the scoring for the Pioneers in the 23rd minute. Zeb Cross scored the equalizer in the 54th minute off of an assist from Jacob Sutherland for visiting Greater Binghamton FC. GBFC Thunder goalkeeper Jason Stetna saved two of Western Mass Pioneers five penalty kicks in the shootout, and the Thunder converted four kicks from the spot to secure passage into the Second Round of the tournament. Grater Binghamton FC qualified for the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as champions of the 2014 NPSL Keystone Conference.

The winner of Wednesday night's match will advance to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt United States Open Cup where they will travel to play the winner of the Reading United (PDL)/Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) Second Round tie on Wednesday, May 27th 2015.

The Rhinos open their 20th season in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 20h 2015 in Sahlen's Stadium at 7:05PM against Grater Binghamton FC Thunder. Single game tickets to the Rhinos opening round of the Open Cup are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), online via Ticketmaster, or by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium during business hours.

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



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 19, 2015


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