Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Rochester Rhinos head coach Jesse Myers has begun to build his team for the 2013 season by bringing back two goalkeepers and five defenders from last year’s second place finishers in the USL PRO table. The picture in midfield is a little less clear two months before players report to training camp due to two significant injuries, and Myers desire to introduce some new chemistry to the unit for the 2013 season.
2011 Rhinos Most Valuable Player Tyler Rosenlund will return to Rochester for his fourth season to resume his role as the focal point in central midfield, but 2012 Rhinos Most Valuable Player JC Banks’ status for 2013 is uncertain after a season ending ACL injury last summer. Banks and the midfield proved to be essential to the Rhinos' attack last season when they scored 12 goals and produced 38 points. The unit also contributed to the Rhinos' second-best defensive record in USL PRO.
Rosenlund has been a key cog in the Rochester midfield since he was signed by then-head coach Bob Lilley before the 2010 season. He is a box-to-box midfielder who has the pace and endurance to get forward and support the attack while also being able to recover and help out defensively. He has appeared in 73 regular season matches for the club and logged 5,777 minutes with six goals and six assists for 18 points. The 26 year-old has saved some of his best work for the playoffs with four points in four career playoff matches.
“Rosey has been a valuable part of the midfield in Rochester here for the past three seasons,” Myers said. “His work rate and endurance are unmatched in USL PRO, which is a strong statement in a league that is based on athleticism. Rosey’s ability to get box-to-box to contribute in defense and support the attack allows us to do a number of different things tactically.”
Right winger JC Banks was on the way to a historic season with the Rochester Rhinos until he was slowed down and ultimately shutdown with a knee injury. Banks originally injured his knee on July 21st at Sahlen’s Stadium against Pittsburgh. He scored the game winning goal in the 10th minute and then had to be subbed off nine minutes later. Banks would start in two of the Rhinos next three matches, but he did not record a point. He was ultimately shut down for the season on August 18th after he appeared as a substitute in the Rhinos 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh, but had to be removed from the match after only 11 minutes. He was diagnosed with a torn ACL the following week and had reconstructive surgery at home in Michigan in September.
Banks had a breakout season in 2012 with five goals and eight assists, but he failed to record a point after his initial injury on July 21st. He was named First Team All-USL PRO, won the USL PRO assist title, and was selected as the Rhinos Offensive Player of the Year in addition to being named the club MVP. He finished with the second most assists in Rhinos single season history, and already ranks tied for ninth on the career assist list.
Chris Estridge joined the Rhinos in July after being released by Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake. Myers used the versatile Estridge as a left back and as a winger on both flanks. He played more than 500 minutes in seven matches for the Rhinos last season, and started in the Rhinos' loss on penalty kicks to the Charleston Battery in the USL PRO Semifinal. Estridge broke his foot while training with his alma mater Indiana University during the off-season.
“JC and Chris are two great young players with aspirations to play professionally in Major League Soccer.” Myers said. “Both of these guys were unlucky to suffer significant injuries in the late summer and early fall. Both of these guys are working hard to get back on the field, regain their form, and get invited into a(n) (MLS) training camp. We wish them the best of luck in their pursuits, we’re continuing to talk to them, and we’re interested in bringing them back if things don’t work out for them at the next level.”
The versatile Danny Earls is returning for the 2013 season. Earls appeared in every match last season and he joined captain Troy Roberts as one of only two Rhinos to break the 2,000 minutes played plateau with 2,070 minutes as a left winger, left back, and central midfielder. He had his best scoring season with Rochester in 2012 when he had two goals and three assists. Earls played two seasons for the Rhinos in 2008 and 2009 before moving to the Colorado Rapids (MLS) in 2010 and 2011. Altogether the 23 year old has already appeared in 65 matches and logged 5,120 minutes with the Rhinos.
“Danny was a late addition to the squad last season, and ended up being one of our most important players logging over 2,000 minutes.” said Myers. “He joined Tyler Rosenlund with a high defensive work rate in midfield, and he was able to run at people and take them on when we were in possession of the ball. His ability to serve balls into the box from the run of play and from set pieces is also an important part of our attacking play. He filled in a number of different positions for us last season, and we see him being a major contributor for us again this season.”
The Rochester Rhinos are also bringing back cult hero Michael Tanke for a third season. Tanke has appeared in 29 matches and made 18 starts for the club over the past three seasons. Tanke’s hard work and gritty play as evidenced by his 24 fouls, including 16 last season, have made him a blue collar fan favorite in the City of Rochester. He also showed flashes of attacking ability from his traditional position deep in midfield with one goal and one assists last season.
“Tanke is a young player who gives us a little bit of steel in the midfield.” Myers said. “He’s a player who was a spot starter for us, and came off the bench late in matches to help us close up shop. At 23 he is still a young player, and we’re excited to take a look at him in camp to see how he is going to fit into the squad this season”
With only three midfielders under contract for the 2013 season Myers still has some work to do in assembling this unit.
“Clearly our work isn’t done yet in midfield.” Myers said. “We’ve got some pieces in place, but I’d like to bring in a true holding midfielder who can screen the back four and help us get even better defensively. I’m on the road looking at some younger players who can provide us with some depth, and we obviously need to see how the off-season injury situation works itself out. We might need to bring in another attacking piece on the right flank.”