Rochester drops to 7th place in the Eastern Conference following the 1-0 loss.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The game between the Richmond Kickers and the Rochester Rhinos was set to be a challenge for both teams heading into Wednesday night’s match at Rhinos Stadium. The teams were tied with 32 points apiece in the Eastern Conference and battling for fifth place.
With the 1-0 victory, Richmond holds fifth place alone with 35 points while the Rhinos and Charlotte Independence both have 32 points, with Charlotte having a game in hand.
The game started out with intensity on both sides with possession traveling back and forth between the teams. In the 15’ Garzi headed the ball into the post, with Dos Santos attempting to bicycle kick the rebound that landed just inches above the cross bar. The Rhinos got lucky in the 22’ when Richmond’s goal got called back for Grant being called off sides. Another strong chance appeared before the Rhinos in the 43’ with a cross from Samuel to the head of Volesky who shot it just wide. The teams went into the half tied at a frustrated 0-0. The Rhinos outshot the Kickers 6-2 in the first 45 minutes.
Richmond opened the half with two quick corner kicks, neither resulting in a shot. The Rhinos had yet again another opportunity to get on the board when Volesky brought the ball into the box and a hand ball was called on Richmond’s Roberts for a penalty kick. Volesky took the shot, but was stopped by Turner on a diving save. Garzi couldn’t send home the rebound and the score remained 0-0.
Despite the missed opportunities, Coach Lilley was pleased with the team, and especially Volesky’s performance.
“Christian had a good game tonight. I was disappointed he didn’t finish, but this was overall one of his better games. If he gets more chances like that he will score more than he will miss.” said a pleased Lilley.
“I know we played better today in 90 minutes than we have in a while. I hope we play this way again Saturday and that’s the challenge.”
A yellow card given to Bradley Kamdem in the 74’ resulted in a free kick for Richmond. Imura unassisted on the kick sent the ball straight into the upper ninety just out of the reach of Adam Grinwis. The Kickers entered the final fifteen minutes of the match with a 1-0 lead. Imura’s goal would be his second against the Rhinos this season, and his fifth in just four games.
Richmond almost made it 2-0 in the last minute of the game, but the cross bar played defense for the Rhinos and kept the game within reach. The Rhinos followed up in the first minute of stoppage time with their own crossbar hit when Volesky hit it coming inches shy of the equalizer.
“We had a few chances. Garzi and myself both hit the cross bar tonight. If we finish our chances we will have a lot of awesome wins.” said Volesky, looking towards the future. “We will have good rest of the season. As long as we finish our chances and our defenses stays strong we are going to be good and a tough team to beat.”
The Rhinos finished strong in the final minutes of stoppage time sending several shots Turners way, but the keeper remained strong in goal for the Kickers and took home the 1-0 victory back to Richmond.
The Rhinos face the Wilmington Hammerheads this Saturday with a 6:05 kickoff at Rochester Rhinos Stadium.