USL Rochester Rhinos

Unbeaten Rochester Rhinos Host Expansion Charlotte Independence on July 18

Published on July 16, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


Rochester, NY - The Rochester Rhinos return to Sahlen's Stadium for the first of two straight matches at home on Saturday, July 18 facing the first-year Charlotte Independence in a United Soccer League (USL) match. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 pm ET. This will be the first ever match between the two teams. This Saturday's match is also the annual Kids Day event as the Rhinos celebrate Rex the Rhino's birthday with area mascots. All tickets for children age 14 and under for this Saturday's match are $5.00 each.

The first place Rhinos are the only overall unbeaten soccer team in the USA, with a current club record 17 match league unbeaten streak to start the season (11-0-6, 39 points) and a 2-0-1 record in the US Open Cup. In addition, Rochester has won all six USL matches at home. Charlotte is currently 4-6-4 for 16 points, which is good for ninth place in the USL Eastern Conference. The Independence have yet to win on the road in the USL (0-4-2), but beat the NASL Carolina Railhawks and the MLS New England Revolution (the Rhinos MLS affiliate) away from home in this year's Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to earn the top honors in the Cup among USL teams.

The Rhinos' defense has allowed only six goals in 17 league matches and are on pace to break the 1998 Rhinos' team record for fewest goals given up in a season at 15. The back line is led by fourth year keeper Brandon Miller, who leads the USL with a 0.26 goals against average and eight shutouts in eleven full matches played. Offensively, the Rhinos are paced by Christian Volesky with six goals and one assist, Steevan Dos Santos with five goals and Alex Dixon and Jonny Mendoza with three goals apiece. Jorge Herrera is Charlotte's leading scorer with three goals and five assists (fifth in the USL in assists), with Ryan Finley adding four goals and one assist.

The Rhinos visited Toronto FC II in their most recent match on July 11 and won 2-0 on goals from Dos Santos (54') and Mendoza (56'), both assisted by Onua Obasi, whose strong play on offense and defense earned the Rhinos left back a spot on this week's USL Team of the Week. The Independence were also on the road last Saturday, traveling to Louisville City and dropping a 1-0 decision.

The next Rhinos match is Sunday, July 26 at 4:05 pm against the Charleston Battery at Sahlen's Stadium. Tickets for all Rhinos home matches, including flex packages and group sales tickets, are also currently on sale and can be purchased by calling (585) 454-KICK (5425), online via Ticketmaster, by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium during business hours or by visiting rhinossoccer.com.

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