Rochester Rhinos News Release - www.rhinossoccer.com

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

ROCHESTER, NY -- The Rochester Rhinos welcomed the Minnesota Thunder to Marina Auto Stadium on Wednesday night and exchanged the lead several times will playing to a thrilling 3-3 draw. Rochester entered losers in three of their last four while the Thunder were unbeaten in five of seven.

Minnesota didn’t take long to strike, taking the lead just six minutes into the match. Rod Dyachenko, down the left side, found Lawrence Olum in space at the top of the eighteen, where his right-footed blast beat Tim Melia for the first tally of the match.

Minutes later Minnesota’s Melvin Tarley blocked a pass out of the back, creating another scoring opportunity but Melia made an easy save.

Rochester tied the score in the 16th minute when Ze Roberto laid a ball off to Danny Earls. Earls played the ball through to Andrew Gregor, who fed Warren Ukah. Ukah’s initial shot was stopped by Nic Platter, however, Ukah’s determination led to the follow up goal.

In the 37th the Rhinos took a 2-1 lead when Gregor, running on to a ball down the left side, elected not to pass but rather cut the ball back into the box. Gregor’s shot deflected off a Thunder defender and over the outstretched hands of Platter who had already committed himself.

The lead didn’t last very long, however, as in the 43rd minute Minnesota defender Rich Costanzo intercepted a ball and let go a 20-yard blast that was perfectly placed beyond the reach of the diving Melia.

The Rhinos nearly took the lead just before the half but John Ball’s long pass was headed just high over the bar by Ukah.

With the score tied at 2-2, the Rhinos came out energized to begin the second 45 minutes. Three minutes into the half Rochester was awarded a corner kick. With Ryan Heins sending the kick into the box Platter came out to punch the ball away, but Ukah got a head on the ball sending it to Nano Short. Short’s header bounced in to give the Rhinos a 3-2 lead.

One minute later, Ukah was at it again, rifling a shot from eight yards that Platter punched directly back at Ukah, who headed on goal only to see Brian Kallman clear it off the line to keep the score 3-2.

Just when it appeared that the Rhinos has sealed the win Minnesota’s Jeremiah Bass finished off his opportunity to send the Thunder home with a tie.

With the draw the Rhinos record stands at 9-8-6 and they will battle the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday evening at 7:35 p.m. at Marina Auto Stadium.

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