On the pitch, the action was fast paced and intense from the first whistle. Like in their game against the Impact, the Rhinos peppered the opposing goalie early and often. Midway through the first, one shot nearly missed, going over the top of the goal. However, it initially appeared to go in and brought the crowd to its feet and the colored smoke from the Oak Street Brigade and Flower City Stampede flowing onto the pitch. Along with the scoring threats, the first half was filled with rough play. Tony Walls got yellow carded after a hard challenge, trying to prevent Louisville FC to create a scoring threat. Minutes later, the referee and the side judges had to rush the field to prevent a fight after a challenge on the Rhinos led to punches being thrown.
With the half winding down in the 43rd minute, the Rhinos played the ball into the box, trying to get a late goal. They would get just that when Kenardo Forbes drove a shot into the top of the net off a pass from Obasi, giving the Rhinos a 1-0 lead that would hold at the halftime whistle.
The second half did not show any signs of the action slowing down. The Rhinos had several near misses and scoring chances that they couldn't capitalize on. Louisville FC also started threatening to score, but all of their chances were quickly stopped by Brandon Miller. After Louisville picked up a yellow card in the 62nd minute, Rochester took advantage. Five minutes later, dos Santos played a rebound off the Louisville keeper and put home the Rhino's second goal. From there, Miller and the Rhinos' defense took over, preventing Louisville from scoring and earning a 2-0 victory.
Everything about the game was amazing. I absolutely love the Rhinos' fan base and how much fun the fans have during the game. The Rhinos are playing some of the best soccer I've ever seen. I personally think they could take down most of the teams in the MLS, including the Philadelphia Union (who the Rhinos face Tuesday as part of the US Open.)
I am hoping to attend the next home game on the 27th to see the Alumni game and the Rhinos take on Pittsburgh. The question I have is will Tommy Tanner, the coach of the Silver Knights, return to Rochester and take part in the Hall of Fame celebration and festivities? I am also hoping to get a chance to sit with either of the two support groups this season. They are fun to watch and I would love to have the chance, chant, and cheer along with them.