The most anticipated match of the season was this third meeting in as many seasons between Rochester and Minnesota in the A-League National Final. With the game being billed as a contest between the league's best offense in Minnesota and defense in Rochester everyone was expecting a hard-fought and close game that would come down to the final minutes of play and possibly overtime.
Perhaps getting wind of these preconceived notions, the Rhinos surprised everyone and came out on full attack. From the starting whistle, the Rhinos took Thunder out of their game by dominating the midfield and keeping the ball in the Minnesota half for roughly 85% of the first half. The normally offensive-minded Thunder was sent reeling and struggled defensively to clear the ball and could not create many chances up front.
Due to the intense attack, Rochester would get on the board first in the 14th minute, when Martin Nash sent a beautiful cross into the box, where Dan Stebbins used his head to send the ball screaming into the back of the net. The play was set up when midfielder Yari Allnutt was tackled from behind, but was able to dish the ball to Nash. The referee played the advantage rule, since the Rhinos retained possession.
Rochester continued their total dominance of Minnesota, and the frustration began to show as players on the pitch could be heard saying, "…What are we doing?" Rochester added to Minnesota's frustration in the 38th minute when Scott Schweitzer had the ball deep in Minnesota's corner and was unchallenged as he sent the ball into the box. Rochester's regular season leading scorer, Yari Allnutt, was waiting and one-timed a rocket past 1999 'keeper of the year John Swallen, thus putting Rochester ahead by two.
In the opening minutes of the second half, it was evident that Minnesota picked up the pieces and returned somewhat to their game plan and gained a little more control of the ball. It was also quite apparent that despite having a two-goal lead, Rochester was taking no chances and did continue to press the attack, but with a decreased effectiveness. Even with all the half-time adjustments, Minnesota was still unable to get on the scoreboard and as time wore on their frustration grew. In the 78th minute, Martin Nash took a long-range shot that was blocked by a Minnesota defender. Dodging this bullet, Minnesota unwittingly opened the door for the game's MVP and Jamaican National Team star Onandi Lowe. Minnesota's defense attempted to clear Nash's shot but botched the attempt, allowing Lowe to get control of the ball and launch a powerful left-footed shot from approximately 18 yards out, that easily made its way past Swallen.
Minnesota answered that goal in the next minute, as they capitalized on an errant clear by Bill Sedgewick. John Menyongar gathered the ball after Sedgewick's error and sent a shot straight at a diving Vallow, who blocked the shot but could not pull it in. While on the ground scrambling to get to the ball, Vallow and Defender Tim Hardy were beaten by Chugger Adair, who easily chipped the shot home.
Rochester and Minnesota both created chances late in the match, but neither side could capitalize on them. After a tense few minutes of stoppage time the official ended the match, sending Rochester fans storming onto the field to congratulate their 2000 A-League Champions.
Inside Track:
· At the Victory Rally on Monday, Mayor Bill Johnson of Rochester declared the Rhinos as Rochester's best sports team, with the best chance at Major league success.
· The Rhinos will have to contend with resigning 9 free agents, with possibility of losing Final MVP Onandi Lowe to an English Premiership club…
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