USL Feature
Friday, March 25, 2011
ROCHESTER RHINOS
Coach: Bob Lilley
2010 Season: Quarterfinals, USSF D-2 Pro League
The Lowdown - Rochester returns many of the players who performed well in the USSF D-2 Pro League last season, and will be a strong contender not only to win the National Division but the USL PRO title. The Rhinos, the last non-MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup in 1999, are also aiming for a deep run in this year’s edition of the competition.
Key Departures – The biggest hits to the Rhinos’ squad came defensively, where goalkeeper Scott Vallow retired and defenders Aaron Pitchkolan and Frankie Sanfillipo moved on to new teams. Neal Kitson remains an able No.1 goalkeeper for the club, but replacing Pitchkolan, who was named to the USSF D-2 Best XI, and Sanfillipo, who was the club’s captain, will be essential if the Rhinos are to maintain their strong defensive record of a year ago.
Key Returnees – The foundation of that defense will be Troy Roberts, himself a USSF D-2 Best XI selection alongside Pitchkolan. Also returning to the squad is 2010’s leading scorer Isaac Kissi, who finished the season with eight goals, and second-leading scorer Andrew Hoxie, who had six.
Key Additions – Midfielder Tony Donatelli should have a good impact on the Rhinos’ midfield, and could provide a boost offensively after scoring seven goals and three assists for the Montreal Impact a season ago. Also added to fortify the team’s attack is Kendall Jagdeosingh, who has three goals and three assists last season for the Puerto Rico Islanders.
The Coach’s Opinion – “We are hopeful to improve upon last season’s success but know it will be a significant challenge. Our focus will to become more dynamic in the offensive end while maintaining our ability to keep possession and defend effectively as a team. If we get these components right, we feel we have a team that can compete with the top clubs in our league.” – Bob Lilley
If it all goes to plan – Rochester will certainly be a club that is in contention at the end of the season. With the Pittsburgh Riverhounds appearing to be the biggest challenger for the Rhinos in the National Division, the question will be how the club will fare in the playoffs. The last time the Rhinos took a league championship was in 2001 in the USL A-League. Is it time for another piece of hardware in Rochester’s trophy cabinet?