Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Sunday, July 3, 2011
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- An early goal by Orlando’s Jamie Watson was all that the Lions would need as they took a 1-0 victory against the Rochester Rhinos on Sunday night in front of 4,958 fans, ending the Rhinos six game unbeaten streak.
Orlando scored the first and only goal of the match in the 19th minute when a ball by Erik Ustruck was played into the box allowing Watson to gather ahead of Rochester goalkeeper Neal Kitson. Watson then eluded a defender before placing the ball into an open net for an early one-goal lead.
Rochester came close to returning the favor two minutes later after Tyler Rosenlund dribbled into the penalty area before dishing the ball off to Tony Donatelli, whose blast was pushed over the crossbar by Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo. Back-to-back corner kicks by the Rhinos in the 23rd minute failed to produce an equalizer.
The latter portion of the first half saw the Rhinos apply pressure, creating several scoring chances, but they couldn’t manage to put the ball away. Just moments before the half, Rochester’s Andrew Hoxie was able to turn just outside the Orlando penalty area and chip a ball past four defenders to an on-running Donatelli, who was able to put the ball on goal only for Gallardo to deflect the ball wide.
Rochester continued to apply pressure throughout most of the second half. Max Ferdinand and Kendall Jagdeosingh’s two-man game nearly resulted in a scoring chance before being called offside. Hoxie had a good look from the right side of the penalty area 15 yards out but drove his shot into the side-netting.
Later Rochester’s Issac Kissi managed to weave his way through a trio of defenders, attempting to slide a ball through to JC Banks, only for an Orlando defender to deny the opportunity.
Despite the pressure applied the Rhinos could not crack Orlando's defense, falling at home for the first time this season. The loss puts Rochester at 8-5-3 in 2011.
Rochester will remain at home when they host FC New York at Sahlen’s Stadium on Friday, July 8 at 8 p.m.