Rochestet Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Thursday, May 26, 2011
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester Rhinos will close out a stretch of three straight home matches when they host the Wilmington Hammerheads at Sahlen’s Stadium this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The club will then take to the road to face F.C. New York on Monday at 3 p.m.
Wilmington enters the match with a 4-1 record which includes a 1-0 win against Rochester back on April 17. Luke Mulholland, who tallied the game-winner against Rochester, leads the Hammerheads with three goals and seven points in 2011. They have won two consecutive games and reside in fifth place in the American Division with 12 points.
“Wilmington played us tough down there the last time we played and in the preseason,” said Rhinos Head Coach Bob Lilley. “Both teams know each other well so I anticipate a good match.”
Rochester meanwhile enters the match in second place (3-3-1, 10 points) in the National Division, currently trailing the Los Angeles Blues by seven points. Rookie JC Banks continues to lead the Rhinos with four points in 2011. The Rhinos have not surrendered a goal at home in three matches this season and goalkeeper Neal Kitson has not allowed a goal in 272 consecutive minutes.
Following Friday’s match the Rhinos will take the field for a Memorial Day matinee when they face F.C. New York at 3 p.m. from Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University. Graciano Brito has tallied half of New York’s 2011 goal total with two. They reside just five points behind the Rhinos despite struggling early on this season. New York has managed one win in seven tries going 1-4-2 during that span.
“I expect New York to present us with a real challenge” said Lilley. “Earlier this month went to Charleston and got a result there so they are a team that has been improving.”