Saturday, April 14, 2012
FULLERTON, Calif. – The Rochester Rhinos took a 1-0 victory against the Los Angeles Blues in the opening USL PRO game of the season for both teams on Saturday night. The Rhinos picked up all three points in front of a crowd of 2,432 at Fullerton’s Titan Stadium behind a disciplined defensive performance and a 22nd-minute tally from former Colorado Rapids and Scottish Premier League striker Tam McManus. The victory gave new Rhinos coach Jess Myers victory in his first game in charge. 
The Blues controlled the majority of the possession in the first half of the opening period and had some promising attacking combinations, but only to concede against the run of play. JC Banks sent a nice in-swinging cross into the penalty area from the right and McManus topped his intelligent run off with a determined header from close range that left goalkeeper Amir Abedzadeh without a chance.
Blues striker Cheun-Yong Park had a golden chance to tie things up shortly after, heading just wide on a pinpoint accurate cross from the right by Brian Farber. The Blues’ next dangerous look came after the break, as Farber’s glancing header on a 65th minute Irving Garcia corner kick from the left was blocked on the line by well-positioned Rhinos netminder Kristian Nicht.
Another corner from the left by Garcia saw the hosts come close again five minutes later. Under pressure from the 24-year-old’s namesake Erlys Garcia, a Rhinos defender headed the ball on with his back to the goal and was fortunate to see it fly just over his own crossbar.
The visitors from Rochester could have doubled their advantage in the 75th minute. On an attempted shot from the right, Tyler Rosenlund redirected it on frame from five yards out, forcing Blues netminder Amir Abedzadeh to keep it out of the net with a stunning kick save. But despite attacking furiously in the closing stages of the match, the Blues were unable to find an equalizer as the Rhinos held on for a big road win to open the season.
Blues coach Charlie Naimo’s men will be looking for a better result when they take on the Rhinos in the rematch this coming Friday, April 20. Kickoff for the meeting at Fullerton’s Titan Stadium is set for 7.30 p.m. PT. Tickets start at $10 and may be purchased by calling 714-738-8011 or by visiting http://lablues.ticketfly.com.