Goalie Dan Lynd records 5 saves to make Darius Madison’s 25th-minute goal hold up.
HARRISBURG, PA. — The Rochester Rhinos (9-4-8, 35 points) prevailed in a 1-0 victory over the Harrisburg City Islanders Tuesday night, claiming the inaugural Capelli Sport Hero Cup, 2-0, on aggregate and moving to just four points behind first-placed Charlotte. Rochester won the first leg in Rochester on July 8, also by a 1-0 margin.
Darius Madison scored the game-winner in the 25th-minute on the first shot of the match on a header off an angled free kick from Wal Fall. Madison’s 3rd goal of the season was defended superbly by Penfield native Dan Lynd, as the second-year goalkeeper recorded five big saves to earn the victory and the second shutout of his career. His first came in his last start in a 2-0 triumph over Toronto FC 2 on July 26.
The Rhinos were without captain Kenardo Forbes and everyday starting center back Joe Farrell, who both picked up red cards in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to New York Red Bulls 2.
Just three minutes after Madison’s opening tally, Lynd had to come up huge in net. Harrisburg’s Paul Wilson got free at the top of the box and launched a shot into the top right corner. Lynd soared to the ball and just tipped it around the post.
Ropapa Mensah had a dangerous chance of his own in the 38th-minute. Mensah seemed through on the Rhinos goal, but Lynd sprawled out and made a save with the outside of his foot to deflect the ball just wide and preserve the lead.
Lynd came to the rescue once again in the 65th-minute, as Paul Wilson tried to pick out the top corner once again, this time with a curling effort. The Rochester keeper got up high and tipped the ball over the goal for his fifth and final save of the night.
The Rhinos played excellent defense, absorbing Harrisburg’s counter attacks most of the night and happy to allow the City Islanders 63% possession.
Rochester takes 6 out of 9 possible points on their 3-match road trip and returns home to face second-placed Charleston Battery on Saturday, Aug. 19. It’s Taste of ROC Night presented by Fidelis Care and Stop-DWI, where local vendors will serve samples around the stadium.
Each team wore specially-designed Capelli Sport camouflage jerseys that are being auctioned off to benefit Rochester-area Veterans Outreach Center and Badge of Honor Association, as well as the Wounded Warrior Project.