Kenardo Forbes and Joe Farrell suspended for a minimum of one match.
MONTCLAIR, NJ – The Rhinos had their 6-match unbeaten streak come to a halt, as New York Red Bulls II defeated Rochester 2-1. NYRB2’s Arun Basuljevic; the USL’s leading passer, opened up the scoring just 5 minutes into the match. His first professional goal paced New York as they defeated the Rhinos for the first time in team history (1-6-3).
Rhinos center-back Joe Farrell was sent off for picking up a second yellow card just before halftime – which added insult to injury as the Red Bulls 2 had their foot on the gas from the very beginning of the match, outshooting Rochester 7-0 in the first half.
New York took advantage of the extra man, dominating the second half and doubling their lead in the 55th minute. A defensive error sent Stefano Bonomo in behind the defense and he slotted the ball past Tomas Gomez for his second goal in as many games.
Darius Madison came on in the 62nd minute and made an instant impact as he won a corner just seconds after coming on for the Rhinos first positive play since going a man down. His impact turned into a goal as he was taken down in the box in the 70th minute. Originally the call was for a goal kick, but the assistant referee talked head referee Charles Murphy into changing the call.
Wal Fall took the ensuing penalty kick and keep his perfect penalty record alive (5/5) for his team-leading 7th goal of the season to give the Rhinos new life.
The match changed once again as an 83rd-minute skirmish after the whistle resulted in red cards to both Kenardo Forbes and NYRB2’s Basuljevic. The match finished 10-on-9.
Rochester forged a couple half chances late, but nothing developed from the set pieces.
The Rhinos will finish their 3-match road trip Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Harrisburg City Islanders in the second leg of the Capelli Sport Hero Cup. The Rhinos took the first leg at home 1-0. Both teams will wear specially-designed Capelli Sport camouflage jerseys that will be available for auction until Aug. 15.
The Rhinos will return home Aug. 19, to face the first-place Charleston Battery for Taste of ROC Night. Local vendors will be on the concourse during the entirety of the match. The Battery defeated Rochester in the third match of the season, 5-0, in South Carolina on April 15.