Rochester is now winless in four games with four matches left in the 2017 USL season.
The 14th-placed Richmond Kickers (7-14-8) played the role of spoiler once again, defeating the Rochester Rhinos 1-0 at City Stadium in Richmond. Substitute Mikey Milutillo scored the game’s only goal in the 80th minute. The Rhinos fall to 11-7-10 on the season.
The two teams were locked up in a defensive stalemate, with the first shot not coming until the 28th minute when Christiano Francois cut in from the left side and put a shot on goal that was right at the Richmond kicker Travis Worra.
Jalen Brown had a valuable chance just 6 minutes later, as Francois put a move on his defender and laid the ball off to Brown, who put his shot towards the top corner but just wide.
Francois continued his impressive half just before halftime by holding off several Richmond defenders and placed an impressive ball across the box that nobody could get on the end of. The ball was recycled and led to a Brandon Beresford volley from about 25 yards that went wide.
The Rhinos continued to put balls into the box in the second half, this time switching the emphasis to the left side. Rhinos wingback Bradley Kamdem Dewo showed a distinct advantage and was able to draw several corner kicks. However, Rochester was unable to do anything productive with their chances.
The most dangerous chance for Rochester may have come in the 73rd minute. Kenardo Forbes’ corner found the head of Sergio Campbell on the back post. Campbell was unable to get his header on target, possibly having his shirt held by the Richmond defenders.
Richmond would win the match against the run of play, as their goalkeeper Travis Worra booted the ball down the field directly into Mikey Milutillo’s path. He was able to shield off a pair of Rhinos defenders and slot the ball around golaie Dan Lynd, a Penfield native, into the bottom corner to win the match.
Rochester would have a couple fleeting chances late that came and went. The match ended after a lovely cross from Francois would find the head of Jochen Graf, who wasn’t able to get enough on it.
With their second straight loss, their fourth match without a win and a Tampa Bay Rowdies win, the Rhinos fall to 5th place in the USL standings with just four matches left to play. The Rhinos are also out of contention to win the inaugural Old Guard Shield.
Rochester will now return home to face first-place Louisville City FC on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Capelli Sport Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 pm. Louisville City defeated the Rhinos, 2-1, Wednesday night, winning on a last-second penalty kick.