Rochester begins its inaugural Old Guard Shield campaign against the Battery.
The quest for the 2017 USL Cup continues on Saturday, April 15 when the Charleston Battery plays host to the Rochester Rhinos at MUSC Health Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm and will be televised online on USL Match Center/YouTube.
Rochester is coming off a less-than-impressive 0-0 draw in Toronto on a cold, windy night. The Rhinos again came out in a 4-4-1-1, making just two changes to the lineup on the wings (Brown for Garzi, Beresford for Defregger).
The Rhinos (1-1-0, 4 pts) and the Battery (2-0-1, 6 pts) meet in the second-ever match in the Old Guard Shield. The supporter’s groups of the five oldest clubs in the USL (Charleston, Richmond, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg) came together in the offseason to create this cup.
A total of 8 games per team and 20 games overall will be tracked. If teams host each other more than once due to USL scheduling the last home game will count towards the standings. U.S. Open Cup and USL Playoff matches do not count towards the OGS. Charleston lost the very first match of the OGS vs. Pittsburgh 2-1 last Saturday.
Charleston has not beaten Rochester since 2014, with the Rhinos going 3-1-0 in that span. In 2016, the Rhinos won 2-1 on the road and 3-2 at home. Rhinos lead the all-time series 19-10-11. However since 2008, the series is even at 8-6-8.
The Rhinos home opener is on Saturday, April 22 when the defending USL Cup champion New York Red Bulls 2 visit Capelli Sport Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 pm. Gates open 2 hours prior to each game, where fans can enjoy $2 Genesee happy hour drafts until 15 minutes before kickoff!
Advance single game tickets are always available at a discount. Order online using this link, visit the Capelli Sport Stadium Box Office or call 585-454-5425. For limited time, fans can use the promo code ‘SOCCER’ for $10 off opening day tickets. Those who use this promo code will automatically be entered in a drawing for a Rhinos Prize Pack, which includes an autographed jersey.
Season tickets are available here, including the Youth Fan Club which includes a home jersey, full season ticket and more for just $45.