Rochester Rhinos News Release - www.rhinossoccer.com
Sunday, June 1, 2008
ROCHESTER, NY -- The Rochester Rhinos registered their first victory of the campaign Sunday night in a thrilling 2-1 victory over the visiting Portland Timbers, pulling the club out of last place in the USL First Division table.
The Rhinos entered Sunday's match against the Portland Timbers with an 0-4-3 record, however, their opponents in those first seven matches all came against the top six teams in the USL First Division and all but one came on the road. For the Rhinos it was Matthew Delicate and Johnny Menyonger who carried the Rochester offense with three points each en route to a 2-1 win at PAETEC Park.
The Rhinos struck first in the in the 14th minute when John Menyonger sent a through ball that was missed by Portland defender Cameron Knowles. Striker Matthew Delicate scooped up the ball, eluded a defender and Timber netminder Jordan James to finish off with an open net and a 1-0 lead for Rochester. For Rochester, it was their first lead of the season.
Former Rhino Chris Bagley set up Justin Thompson with a well-placed cross in the 29th minute, but Thompson's header went just high.
It appeared as though Thompson may have tied the match at 1-1 after a scrum inside the Rhinos six, but it was ruled a handball against the Timbers.
After some persistence, the equalizer did come, however, in the 77th minute when Miguel Guante's initial shot was stopped by Scott Vallow, but the rebound was finished off by Justin Thompson.
It didn't take long for a determined Rochester squad to regain the lead as in the 80th minute Luke Kreamalmeyer sent a ball into the box from the right side from 35 yards out. Delicate gained position inside the box, and redirected the ball to an oncoming John Menyongar who finished off the play, beating Jordan, giving Rochester a 2-1 lead.
The lead would hold up as Rochester withstood some late Timber pressure to earn the first victory of Darren Tilley's Rhino career. With the win, The Rhinos improve to 1-4-3 and surpass the Puerto Rico Islanders in the USL-1 standings.
The Rhinos will be in action next on Saturday, June 7 when they welcome the Miami FC Blues to PAETEC Park. Kick-off for the match is 7:35 p.m.
