Friday, May 11, 2012
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Rochester Rhinos continued their perfect start to the season as they took a 1-0 victory against the Charlotte Eagles on Friday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Conor Chinn scored the only goal of the night, pushing the Rhinos’ winning streak to start the season to five games.
The Eagles came out strongly, and were able to pressure early, but the Rhinos created the first opportunity of the night as Andrew Hoxie was able to beat the Eagles’ defense, but shot the ball just wide of the net. Three minutes later, though, the Rhinos took the lead As Rochester continued to put pressure on the Charlotte penalty area, Chinn was able to fire the ball past Eric Reed, putting his side up 1-0.
The Rhinos continued to press for a second goal, and went close from a corner kick in the 28th minute. The Eagles responded a minute later, but Jorge herrera’s shot was saved by Rhinos goalkeeper Kristian Nicht. That led to a spell of possession by the Eagles, as they were able to find a bit of composure and build a few promising offensive campaigns, but they were unable to find a way past the German goalkeeper, Darren Toby forcing a good save from a free kick by Mauricio Salles.
The Rhinos’ defense, which has still yet to concede a goal this season, continued to prove up to the task of protecting the lead as they looked to counter-attack in the second half as the Eagles pushed forward. The Eagles did have chances to tie the game, missing a pair of good opportunities in on the hour-mark.
The Rhinos then almost added to their lead with just over 20 minutes to go, but Reed was able to make back-to-back saves to keep the deficit just one. In the end, though, Chinn’s goal would be all Rochester would need to take victory and move into second place in the USL PRO standings, a point behind Orlando City with one fewer game played.
The Rhinos continue their weekend trip on Saturday as they face the third-placed Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium. The Eagles will next hit the road to meet in-state rival the Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday, May 19 at Legion Stadium at 7:30 p.m.