Highlights courtesy of USLLive.com
Marina Auto Stadium – Rochester, N.Y.
Match Reports: Rochester | Wilmington | Democrat & Chronicle | Star News
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2 | FT | 1 |
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Atieno (Ambersley) 54’
Andrew Gregor (PK) 67’
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72’ Jamie Watson (Unassisted)
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For the first time in the 2009 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the Rochester Rhinos advanced to the following round without the need of extra time, defeating the Wilmington Hammerheads 2-1 in regulation at Marina Auto Stadium in Rochester, NY.
A crowd of 3,598 were on hand to watch Rochester continue their run in the Open Cup, thanks to an impressive header from Tai Atieno and a penalty kick by Andrew Gregor, both in the second half. Wilmington fought back to one goal down with a superb individual effort from Jamie Watson, but it was too little, too late for the Hammerheads.
The Rhinos, who are currently celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their historic 1999 Open Cup championship, will advance to the Semifinals for the first time since they made that Cinderella run a decade ago.
Hammerheads goalkeeper Kyle Polak made his first start of the season and only his second appearance after Daryl Sattler was injured in a July 2 league match against the Charlotte Eagles.
Early in the match, Rochester were the attacking squad, as Wilmintgon played in a defensive shell, content on letting Rochester dictate the pace.
Rochester had their first opportunity of the match on 11 minutes, as Nano Short’s bicycle kick sailed wide of the net. Five minutes later, Andrew Gregor was given a free kick from 20 yards out, but his attempt sailed just wide of the crossbar.
The best chance of the first half would come from Rhinos’ midfielder Ryan Heins. Mike Ambersley caught up to a cross and headed the ball down to Heins on the six yard box, who caught the ball on a short hop, and sent his volley high over the crossbar.
Wilmington were next to create in the 24th, with Phil Hufstader sending a cross far post, beating Tim Melia, but just out of the reach of several Hammerhead players.
Rochester maintained possession for a majority of the first half, but could not convert on their opportunities, leaving the score 0-0 at the half.
Only three minutes into the second half, Rochester looked poised to go up 1-0, but second half substitution Tiger Fitzpatrick could not find the back of the net as his header was cleared off the line by two Hammerhead defenders.
In the 54th minute, Tai Atieno would end the scoreless draw, heading home a cross from Ambersley to put Rochester up 1-0. Atieno found himself alone in the six yard box, and his header left Polak with no chance for a save.
Johnny Menyongar almost put Rochester up 2-0 as his diving header glanced just wide of the near post. Menyongar holds the record for most goals scored in the Professional Era of the US Open Cup (since 1995), with 12 to his name.
Ambersley continued his superb night in the 64th minute, drawing a penalty after a quick cut inside the Hammerhead box. Andrew Gregor stepped up and calmly slotted the ball to the right of the keeper, giving the Rhinos a 2-0 lead.
Wilmington would fight back, as Jamie Watson’s superb individual effort in the 77th minute put the score at 2-1, and gave life to the visiting USL-2 side.
The last fifteen minutes saw a rejuvinated Hammerheads side attacking Rochester, pinning the Rhinos in their defensive third. Goalkeeper Tim Melia made several strong saves down the stretch, and the Rochester defense remained strong in the air, securing the victory for the Rhinos.
With the win, the Rochester Rhinos claim $10,000 for being the furthest advancing USL-1 side in this year’s Open Cup.
Next up for the Rhinos in the Open Cup is a Semifinal matchup against DC United on July 21 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md. Rochester has never defeated DC United, posting a 0-3 record against the MLS club, including a loss in the 1996 Open Cup Final. Kickoff for the Semifinals is at 7:30 p.m.