USL-1: Rhinos Derail Aztex, 2-1

Discussion in 'Americas' started by truebluefan, Apr 26, 2010.

  1. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    A furious first half of action left the Austin Aztex and Rochester Rhinos knotted at one goal a piece on Sunday at House Park, but a goal in the 65th minute by the Rhinos Anthony Hamilton gave Rochester a 2-1 win.

    The game kicked off with an open-field, ankle-breaking move by Aztex (2-1-0) midfielder Sullivan Silva, followed by a blistering shot that flew just to the left of the net. Minutes later, the Rhinos (1-1-1) almost broke through the Aztex defense, but an offside call negated the tally.

    In the ninth minute though, the Rhinos repeated their assault and forced Gallardo to come off his line and make a tackle just on the edge of the box, which he was given a yellow card for and the Rhinos were awarded a penalty kick. Andrew Hoxie took the kick and put to the Gallardo's left side as the keeper guessed wrong on the shot and dove to the right.

    The Aztex equalizer came in the 19th minute after midfielder Michael Callahan was brought down just outside of the box, leading to a free kick by defender Leonard Griffin. The goal was the second in as many games for the defender, who also had an assist in the opener.

    Austin appeared headed for another first half goal when Eddie Johnson was able to control a pass from Lawrence Olum and took on two defenders in the box, but was brought down with no call to follow.

    Austin's defense showed its toughness soon after, stopping two quick strikes on the Rhino attack. Jay Needham then made a diving defensive save, which brought him straight into the goal post in the 41st minute causing him to come off the pitch momentarily to regroup.

    Rochester goalkeeper Scott Vallow shined in the second half, facing nine Aztex shots, making three saves in the process. Austin came close to equalizing multiple times in the second 45, but were snuffed out by Vallow on each attempt.

    The game got exciting in stoppage time when Rochester's Tyler Bellamy was given his second yellow card of the night, allowing a one-man advantage for the last two minutes of the match. Max Griffin came the closest to sending one home on a diving attempt at the near post on a cross, but could not sneak it past the keeper.

    Austin stays home for one more exhibition match on Wednesday before heading on a two-game road trip to NSC Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Wednesday's match is against the Haitian National Team and is free to all fans. All proceeds from the match will go to benefit the earthquake relief effort.
     

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