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Rhinos on the cusp of playoffs By Richard W. Kozak, Jr.  |
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As unbelievable as this notion might have seemed in May or June, the Rochester Rhinos of the United Soccer League’s First Division are knocking on the door of a clinched playoff berth.
Over 6,500 fans ventured to Rochester’s PAETEC Park to witness the Rhinos dispatch the Portland Timbers by a score of 2-nil. The victory was the fourth straight for the Rochester club and third straight clean sheet registered by Scott Vallow and his supportive back line. The victory also solidifies Rochester’s hold on third place in the first division.
Since going 0-4-3 in the not so merry month of May, the black and white stripes boast an 11-4-5 record since that juncture for coach Darren Tilley. The Rhinos’ current record of 11-8-8 is worth 40 points including a one point penalty.
The result of the game was never in question as the majority of possession was controlled by Rochester, but it wasn’t until the games 40th minute. Red-hot Forward Matt Delicate gobbled up another opportunity and made a deposit in the Portland goal for a 1-0 lead that the Rhinos were content to take to the locker room at halftime.
The Rhinos would get more help in the form of substitute Ryan Heins who gave the Rhinos some measure of insurance with his goal in the 87th minute. Vallow wasn’t tested much, but still earned his 10th shutout of the year.
Johnny “on the spot” Menyongar assisted on Dellicate 5th tally of the season with a nifty no look back pass. John Ball was the creative catalyst on the play serving the ball in to Menyongar who played the role of magician.
Another bright spot on the evening was the play of Tiger Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick’s assertiveness finally paid off on the score sheet as the game’s clock wound down. Perhaps inspired by Menyongar’s bit of ball trickery, “Fitzy” performed a similar back pass to the waiting Heins who only needed one variety for the score.
Prior to the match, Menyongar was named Rochester’s team MVP. The diminutive forward plays much larger on the pitch than the first glance at his stature might give evidence. The accolade is much deserved for the native Liberian whose play coincided with a turn in the Rhinos’ fortune.
Menyongar leads the team in goals, points, and game winning goals. A seasoned USL veteran, Menyongar toiled five years in Minnesota before heading east with the Rhinos.
Other awards handed out by the Rhinos this year:
Coaches’ Performance award went to Scott Palguta. It is given to the Rhino perceived by the coaching staff as the unsung hero.
Scott Vallow picked up the Connors & Ferris Leadership award while Danny Earls go the Foodlink Rookie of the Year honors.
Fitzpatrick garnered the Iacovangelo Community Service Award.
Playoff possibilities abound, but it looks as if the surest path to lock up a playoff spot is a win or a tie over Minnesota. The Rhinos would not like to count their proverbial chickens before they are hatched with big games against Puerto Rico and Montreal this weekend.
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