Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Friday, July 12, 2011
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium in the team’s regular season finale.
Rochester (11-8-4, 37 pts.) enters its final regular season game tied with the Harrisburg City Islanders (10-6-7, 37 pts.) for the lead in the USL PRO National Division. The Rhinos own the second tiebreaker (total wins) against Harrisburg, so a win against Pittsburgh on Saturday would guarantee Rochester first place in the division. The first tiebreaker (head-to-head) between Rochester and Harrisburg is inapplicable since the team’s split their two league games this season.
Regardless of Saturday’s result, Rochester will host a division semifinal match on Friday, August 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium.
However, the Rhinos will first look to take care of business against Pittsburgh on Saturday. Rochester won both previous meetings this season by a score of 3-0, first on the road on June 17 and again at home on July 22.
Rhinos forward Andrew Hoxie has been the most productive against the Riverhounds. He is the only Rhino to score in both games against Pittsburgh this season. Rich Costanzo and Drew Cost added the other goals in the first match, while Isaac Kissi and Connor Tobin scored prior to Hoxie’s goal on July 22.
The Rhinos will need that strong production rate as they look to rebound from two tough losses last weekend. Rochester fell 3-0 to the Charlotte Eagles at home last Friday before dropping a 2-1 decision at F.C. New York on Sunday.
Pittsburgh’s last loss was that July 22 defeat to the Rhinos. Since then, the Riverhounds defeated Richmond 2-0 on July 30 and tied Charlotte 2-2 on August 6.
Should the Rhinos win on Saturday, these two teams would meet again in the August 19 playoff match at Sahlen’s Stadium. In that situation, the Rhinos would win the National Division and play the Riverhounds, who are already locked into the fourth and final divisional playoff spot.
A loss or a draw for the Rhinos on Saturday means they could potentially finish second in the National Division and host the National Division No. 3 seed, the Los Angeles Blues, on August 19.
Rochester will know what it needs to do prior to kickoff on Saturday. Harrisburg travels to play Orlando City SC on Friday at 7:35 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl in the final regular season game for each team.
Tickets for both Saturday’s Rhinos regular season finale and the August 19 playoff game are now available on www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Sahlen’s Stadium Box Office on 585-454-KICK.
Prior to Saturday’s match, Rochester recording artist Jeremiah Garcia will perform an acoustic concert. Faith night will begin after the match with a performance from national recording artist Cory Lamb.
As part of fan appreciation night, there will be sponsored prize giveaways throughout Saturday’s match.