Rochester Rhinos News Release -- www.rhinossoccer.com
Friday, August 19, 2011
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos took a 4-0 victory against the Pittsburg Riverhounds to advance to the USL PRO National Division Final next Friday night as Isaac Kissi had a goal and an assist and the Rhinos strong defense recorded their fourth shutout against the Riverhounds this season.
Rochester opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the match when Alfonso Motagalvan played a ball up the left flank to rookie JC Banks. Banks crossed the ball toward the top of the penalty area to Kissi, whose header found the feet of Tyler Rosenlund. who managed to slip his shot past a charging Hunter Gilstrap for an early 1-0 lead.
"Getting that first goal was very critical" said Rosenlund. "The first 15 minutes were very even and we knew we wanted that first goal. I was fortunate enough to get in and I am thankful I put it in."
Tony Donatelli had a chance to add to the Rochester lead moments later but his shot was swallowed up by Gilstrap. Donatelli didn’t miss his second opportunity, however, delivering on another Banks cross in the 28th minute. Banks again raced down the left flank toward the goal line, sending a perfectly placed cross into the penalty area where Donatelli headed it in for a 2-0 lead.
Rochester increased its lead minutes into the second half when Rosenlund fed Kissi, who beat two Riverhounds defenders before firing into the far post for a 3-0 lead.
Rosenlund nearly had his second of the game in the 58th minute, letting a left-footed blast go that Gilstrap needed to be sharp to stop.
The Rhinos added a fourth goal in the 85th minute when rookie Drew Cost registered his first career playoff goal.
"We’re one of the best defensive teams for sure" said Rosenlund. "To get four goals in a playoff games gives us confidence."
With the win the Rhinos advance to the USL Pro National Division Final on Friday night at against the Harrisburg City Islanders at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium.