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USL Rochester Rhinos

Rochester vs. Montreal, Rivalry Renewed - Match Preview

April 10, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


Rochester vs. Montreal
Rochester vs. Montreal
(Rochester Rhinos)

Rochester, NY - The Rochester Rhinos hit the road to Montreal today. This Saturday, April 11th, the Rochester Rhinos will take to the pitch to face FC Montreal. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30pm at Stade Saputo in what will be the match to renew the historic rivalry of years past.

FC Montreal comes into the match after dropping their first match of the 2015 season last weekend 2:0 to Toronto FC II. The first goal of the match came off a set piece and the insurance goal was ruled an "own goal" as it deflected off a FC Montreal defender.

The Rhinos head into the match sitting in a three-way tie for 2nd place in the Eastern Conference with 4 points after coming away victorious on the road against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds last weekend. The Rhinos opened up the scoring on a beautifully bended free kick by Tony Walls and clinched the game on a volley by Alex Dixon.

Although it has been a few years since the sides have played, the rivalry hasn't faded away. "I expect the match to be very competitive and physical," Lilley said about the upcoming match. "They (FC Montreal) will bring a strong and talented side to the pitch. We have to come ready to play. I anticipate the match the will be like matches of the past between Rochester and Montreal," Lilley stated.

The rivalry between the clubs dates back to June 9th, 1996. They've met 53 times in regular season play with Montreal owning the advantage over the Rhinos having won 27 of those matches. But, in postseason play, the two sides have played 11 more matches in five different series with the Rhinos coming out on top in four of them. The rivalry has been incredibly heated over the years with members of both supporting groups traveling to both stadiums in years past.

"I was coaching in Hershey from 1997-2002 and even I knew the rivalry between Rochester and Montreal," Lilley stated. "They were two hungry teams trying to win championships with high expectations." Lilley, who is in his second stint with the Rhinos, previously coached the Montreal Impact in 2002 and 2003.

President and Chief Operating Officer Pat Ercoli was the head coach from 1996 to 2004 and describes the relationship as a respectful fight between two brothers.

"When we came into the league, I was always comparing and Montreal were what we wanted to become. We looked at Montreal as the model franchise in our league," Erocli recalled. "We didn't like to lose and nor did they. We were both very physical, but I don't think it was in any way disrespectful or cheap. We cared about the game and about winning and we still do."

The Rhinos, who have gained four points on the road this season, look to gain points on the road again this Saturday, April 11th, as the rivalry with FC Montreal is renewed at Stade Saputo with the teams kicking off at 2:30pm.

The Rhinos home opener is scheduled for Sunday, April 26th against the New York Red Bulls II with a 2:05pm kickoff!

Individual game tickets go on sale Monday, April 6th at 10am! Also, beginning on Saturday, April 11th, the Sahlen's Stadium Box Office will be open from 10am-2pm each Saturday. Rochester Rhinos 2015 Rhinos season tickets, flex packs and group tickets are available by calling (585) 454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or online at rhinossoccer.com. Full season ticket packages start at $99.00 and the Rhinos Family Pass is $299.00 for a family of four!




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Rochester vs. Montreal
Rochester vs. Montreal
   

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