By Rochester Rhinos
Rhinos blank Wilmington for their first win since July 16.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The weather was perfect for a Saturday night match between the Rochester Rhinos and Wilmington Hammerheads FC. In a ‘must win’ situation for Rochester, the Rhinos responded with a 2-0 victory at Rhinos Stadium.
After Wednesday’s disappointing loss to Richmond, the Rhinos came charging right from the first whistle. Early opportunities for the Rhinos were created when Christian Volesky led Sofiane Tergou into the box who fired a shot just left, and again from Tergou who just grazed the crossbar. The Rhinos kept up their intensity and continued to send shots Eric Ati’s way.
Halfway through the first the Rhinos attack had not slowed down. The offense put seven balls on frame in the first 25 minutes. Unfortunately for the Rhinos, Ati made a save likely to be seen on highlight reels this week denying a near perfect shot from Kenardo Forbes.
Just before the end of the half, Christian Volesky finally put one away for the Rhinos. His seventh goal of the season came on an assist from Steevan Dos Santos. This would be the first of two times the pair connected during the match.
The Rhinos started the second half just as strong as they finished the first with a quick goal to make it 2-0. A team effort, Michel Guilavogui led Volesky who drew out Wilmington’s keeper causing Ati to make a mistake. He then fed a waiting Dos Santos who managed to finish using the back of his heel.
“First of all, 3 points was really important for us. I’m not going to lie the ball sometimes doesn’t want to go in, but tonight it did. Volesky and I are still building our chemistry this season, but it is finally showing.” said Dos Santos about the dynamic duo’s impact on the game.
Chase Miller made his first start as a Rhino in the match and made an impact on defense. He blocked a dangerous shot from the Hammerheads’ Martz in the 63rd minute to keep the score 2-0.
“I was nervous the for the first game. I haven’t played in two months, but once the whistle blew the nerves disappeared. The guys on the team made me feel really comfortable this game and overall since joining the team.” said Miller.
The second half continued with the Rhinos maintaining the strong defense they were known for in the 2015 season. With Dos Santos and Volesky leading the attack, and Tomas Gomez keeping the net empty, the Rhinos recorded their seventh clean sheet of the season.
The Rhinos take on Louisville at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday.