Thursday, June 21, 2012
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The River City Rovers moved into sole possession of second place in the PDL's Great Lakes Division after a 2-1 victory against the Hamilton FC Rage on Thursday night at the Christian Academy of Louisville. Dillon Tufty scored both goals for the Rovers, who rallied from a halftime deficit to take victory.
The Rage opened the game on top, earning two good opportunities to take an early lead, but the Rovers were able to weather the early pressure. River City's first good opportunity came in the 14th minute when Tufty put a header on goal, but it landed straight in Hamilton goalkeeper Conor Hurley's arms. Though the Rovers followed with more attacking play, and settled into the game at a steady pace, it was the Rage who would take the lead just before halftime as Mark Reilly opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, giving his side the lead at the break.
The Rovers came out with a renewed determination in the second half, and were able to get back on even terms in the 65th minute as Tufty was able to put away Ryan Smith’s free kick. Two minutes later, Tufty scored his second on a breakaway as he beat Hurley for what would prove to be the game-winning goal.
“The Rovers showed real heart and determination coming from behind after the first half," Rovers assistant coach Nathan Pitcock said. "Hamilton is a force, but the Rovers held on and stayed on strategy. It was a great win for us.”
The pair of goals gave Tufty eight for the season, moving him into a tie for the PDL lead in points and goals with the Brooklyn Knights' Stefan Dimitrov. Smith's assist was his sixth of the season, good for third in the PDL as the University of Louisville teammates continue their standout seasons for the Rovers.
The Rovers next home game will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 as they host the Toronto Lynx at Christian Academy of Louisville in Middletown.