Rochester Secures Playoff Spot

Solid Win Over Impact Sees Rhinos Get Fourth Seed in Eastern Conference

Keith Kiedrowski and J-P Altieri
a-league.com Match Reporters
Rochester

ROCHESTER, NY, August 27– The set up for the game could not have been planned better. Rochester hosts their rival Montreal in a match that Rochester needed to win in order to secure a playoff spot. Montreal came in on top of the division, drooling over the chance to eliminate Rochester from the playoffs for the first time in years.

The fans present expected an intense physical game, and that is exactly what they got. The official was like a representative from Hallmark, handing out 3 cards before the 20’ mark. The card in the 17’ was a red card issued to Montreal for a dangerous challenge. Adam Braz came in on Noah Delgado from behind, cleats up. This of course lit the fuse on an already tense game. The coaches got into a screaming match as players on both sides tried to defuse the situation.

Rochester would soon make good on their man advantage with a touch of irony (and poetic justice, perhaps) as Noah Delgado ripped a shot past Sutton in the 25’. Two minutes later, Montreal’s defense made an errant pass that was scooped up by Chris Carrieri. Carrieri dribbled toward the box and sent it out to Corey Woolfolk, who was waiting at the top of the box. Once again a low, hard shot found its way past Sutton.

Montreal was not conceding defeat and almost pulled to within one a minute later. However, Theo Zagar was able to make a save on the shot a preserve the two goal lead.

Rochester would threaten again in the 42’, but Sutton regained his composure and was able to make the save.

As the players went into the locker room at half time, there was an altercation between a Montreal player and Rochester’s Lenin Steenkamp. This caused a swarm of players, coaches and security to race down the locker room tunnel.

The second half saw Rochester mount few chances as they appeared content to hold on to their two goal lead and wait for Montreal to make a mistake. Both keepers would be tested, but not bested in this half.

In the 82’ minute, Rochester gained a two-man advantage as Montreal’s Mauricio Vincello was issued a red card for a vicious challenge. Once again this cause a stir among both benches and it looked as if more cards would be issued for players’ conduct, however, no more were given.

Despite the two-man disadvantage, Montreal mounted quite a last minute offensive push. They kept the ball in Rochester’s half and placed numerous shots. If not for Zagar and some luck, Montreal could have pulled to within one.

With the win Rochester was assured a spot in the post-season. The interesting aspect of all of this is that Rochester will end up facing Montreal in the first round of the playoffs...again.