Rochester ends streak of 7 straight ties on the road with the victory.
Bakayoko Gaoussou’s first goal as a Rochester Rhinos proved the difference as the visitors took a 2-1 victory against the Charleston Battery at MUSC Health Stadium on Saturday night.
Rochester had the early chances in the game, but the Battery took the lead in the 15th minute after a handball in the Rhinos’ penalty area allowed Justin Portillo to score off a penalty kick to the left corner. Rhinos goalie Tomas Gomez could do nothing with Portillo’s penalty kick, but otherwise he was in strong command of his penalty area, coming out well to punch clear on numerous crosses into the penalty area, and quickly off his line when he needed to be.
The Rhinos tied the game 10 minutes later as Christian Volesky sent a turning shot home for his 10th goal of the season.
The Battery nearly regained the lead two minutes into the second half as O’Brian Woodbine’s fierce shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Rhinos goalkeeper Tomas Gomez. Charleston goalie Alex Tambakis denied a point-blank chance for Volesky soon after as the game remained level.
The Rhinos grabbed the lead with nine minutes to go, however, when Gaoussou sent home a low finish after Tambakis had made a good initial save.
The Rhinos (11-5-11) took a valuable three points in their quest for a top-four position as they prepare to defend their USL championship. Rochester is tied with Richmond with 44 points, but the Kickers have a game in hand.
Fifth place Cincinnati (43 points) and sixth place Charlotte (42 points) both have 2 games in hand on Rochester.