USL Rochester Rhinos

Rochester Visits Pittsburgh Saturday Night

Published on May 16, 2014 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


The Rochester Rhinos will take their six match unbeaten streak into Highmark Stadium against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, May 17th 2014 at 7PM.

After losing their opening match of the season in Orlando on April 5th the Rhinos are 2 - 0 - 4 over their past six matches. After a quarter of the USL PRO season has been completed Rochester has USL PRO's second best defensive record with six goals conceded in their first seven matches. After conceding three goals in their loss to Orlando City, the Rhinos have not conceded more than one goal in any of their last six matches. Rookie goalkeeper John McCarthy leads USL PRO in shut outs with three while the defensive quartet of Onua Thomas Obasi, Kyle Hoffer, Tony Walls, and Pat McMahon have conceded one goal in 360 minutes played in front of McCarthy.

"It's been a difficult start to the season in terms of the schedule - we're half way through a stretch that has us on the road ten out of the first 14 games." Rhinos head coach Bob Lilley said. "We've gotten some points on the road in tough places, and we've improved every time out which are important qualities for a young team like ours. At the same time we've given up some late goals. We'd like to continue to improve so that we can turn winning positions into three points instead of one."

Fourth year Rochester Rhino JC Banks is the club's leading scorer after the first seven matches of the season. Banks has three goals and two assists for eight points. He ranks in the top ten in USL PRO in all three categories. Banks is currently tied with Rhinos Hall of Fame member Doug Miller for sixth place on the all-time list for assists in the regular season with 16. His 11 goals and 16 assists make him one of only 12 players in club history to have at least ten goals and ten assists during their regular season careers.

Pittsburgh enters Saturday night's match at the bottom of the USL PRO table with three points from an 0 - 3 - 3 start to the season. While they are still seeking their first win of the season, the Riverhounds goal differential of minus four indicates that their three defeats have been closely contested. Pittsburgh returns three 2013 All-USL PRO First Team selections with striker Jose Angulo, midfielder Matt Dallman, and defender Andrew Marshall. Angulo was selected as the 2013 USL PRO Most Valuable Player, and he tied with Orlando City's Dom Dwyer for the league lead in goals with 15 last season. Pittsburgh newcomer Collins John has two goals and one assist in only 115 minutes played.

"There's no question Pittsburgh has a talented roster." Rhinos head coach Bob Lilley said. "Their new stadium has allowed them to add some talented new players like (Collins) John. They also signed an affiliation agreement with Houston adding even more talent to their roster. While they might be in last place right now, this is a dangerous team that is bound to wake up some time soon."

Saturday night's match can be seen live in its entirety via streaming video on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePghRiverhounds

The Rochester Rhinos next home match will be on Friday, May 23rd at 7:35PM against Sacramento Republic FC in Sahlen's Stadium.

Tickets for any match on the Rhinos home schedule will be available by by calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are also currently available.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 16, 2014


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