June 9, 2008
When Miami FC rolled into PAETEC Park coming off back to back scoreless draws, fans shouldn't have been expecting fireworks like the 5-4 thriller between these two clubs a couple of years ago.
The Rhinos had their best chances in the first half when Miami goalkeeper Josh Saunders went wandering out and left his goal wide open. Unfortunately, the Rhinos didn't take advantage of the situation.
The Rhinos also got lucky when league leading scorer Alex Afonso got a first half breakaway and Scott Vallow was able to stone him.
All in all, it was a disappointing result as the Rhinos need points badly as they are chasing Atlanta for the last playoff spot.
Random thoughts after Saturday's game:
- I hope the USL doesn't go this route for the Stampede's sake.
- Danny Earls was on the bench. It will be interesting to see how quickly he gets on the field.
- Season ticket holders apparently have complained to Rob Clark about the new promotions that provided three free beers and all you can eat hot dogs. Rather than complain, how about talking to Rob about potentially moving your current season tickets to those sections?
- Salles stunk up the joint on Saturday. But, I'm with Coach Tilley who apparently stared down some fans who booed the Rhinos forward when he was subbed out. Somehow, I don't think that is the way to get Salles to play the way that he can and the way that the fans want him to.
The other scoreless draw from the weekend
Big Apple Soccer.com - Magnificent Seven
Now I'm not going to play down the significance of the England and Spain games and then play up the Argentina match merely because of the differing results.
I do think that how the US plays against Barbados next weekend is the real story.
But, I liked the atmosphere at Giants Stadium during the match and the fact that the US appears to be getting a little better each match.
Plus, Landon Donovan being healthy enough to play a full ninety last evening was huge as well.
I just hope that the good vibrations from this match lead into a stand out performance in LA on Sunday as the US begins their qualification march towards South Africa 2010.
News & Notes:
- Devo has an amazing rumor on who may be suiting up for RWB Adria in tomorrow night's US Open Cup first round match at PAETEC Park. If this is true, I hope it means a decent pop at the gate for the match.
- Speaking of the Open Cup, the Rhinos have won the bid to host a Second Round match should they advance tomorrow night. The Rhinos will host the winners of the AAC Eagles/Pittsburgh Riverhounds match at 7:30 pm on June 24th.
- The US Futsal team finished third at that CONCACAF Championships over the weekend and thus qualify for the FIFA World Championship beginning Sept. 30 in Rio and Brasilia, Brazil.
- The Rhinos Women got a 81st minute goal from Mikael Mendez to defeat the Vermont Lady Voltage 2-1. The Rhinos Women are dealing with some serious injuries, including veteran Alex Sahlen who is out with a stress fracture. The win raises the team's record to 2-1 and puts them into a tie for 3rd place in the North Division of the W-League.
- Steven Goff has some tidbits on how the marquee players in the new pro women's league will be allocated. How sick would it be if Abby and Marta both said that they would only play in LA?
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Rochester Rhinos or SoccerSam.com. Feel free to send any comments or complaints to news@soccersam.com. James promises to read (but not to respond) to all of them.
