USL PRO Game Report
Friday, June 20, 2014
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester Rhinos broke a four-match winless streak at Sahlen's Stadium with a 2-0 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday night. Levi Houapeu scored the game-winning goal off an assist from Minh Vu early in the second half before the home side doubled their advantage from the penalty spot with a goal from JC Banks just past the hour-mark. The victory moved Rochester into sole possession of fourth place in the USL PRO standings – three points in front of fifth place Sacramento Republic FC who still had a match to play on Friday night.
The Rhinos opened the scoring in the 54th minute. Rochester center back Kyle Hoffer played Vu through down the right flank, and Vu crossed the ball to striker Houapeu at the top of the six yard box, and Houapeu powered a header over Dutch Lions goalkeeper Matt Williams and into the upper left corner of the net. The goal was Houapeu's second of the season, and the assist was Vu's second of the season.
Banks doubled the Rhinos' advantage in the 61st minute. Dayton Dutch Lions center back Matt Wiet made contact with Banks in the Dutch Lions penalty area, and Banks fell to the Sahlen's Stadium turf. Head referee Juan Carlos Rivero did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot. Banks took the spot kick himself, and calmly finished it into the right side of the net after he sent Williams the wrong way. The goal was Banks' fifth of the season, which moved him back into the Top 10 in USL PRO in points and goals scored.
New England Revs loanee Luis Soffner made two saves on five shots faced for his second clean sheet of the season, and the Rhinos seventh shutout in USL PRO in 2014.
The Rhinos next match is on Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET at Pribil Stadium against OKC Energy FC. The match can be seen live in its entirety via streaming video on YouTube Live.
The Rhinos next home match is set for Saturday, June 28th at 7:05 p.m. ET against the Charlotte Eagles. Tickets for any match on the Rhinos home schedule will be available by by calling (585) 454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are also currently available.