Toronto FC II will be back at the Ontario Soccer Centre this Saturday to take on undefeated league leaders Rochester Rhinos at 3PM.
TFC II is coming off a 2-0 defeat in their home opener on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Your Reds currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 3-6-3 over 12 matches.
The Opposition
The Rochester Rhinos continue their Canadian road trip against Your Reds following their 2-1 victory against FC Montreal.
The Rhinos have been the league’s most dominant team this season, holding an undefeated record while currently maintaining a 5-point lead ahead of second place Charleston Battery with a game in hand. The team sits 1st in the Eastern Conference with a record of 10-0-6 over 16 matches.
Rochester has allowed only 6 goals in the 2015 USL season, evidence of just how dominant they have been defensively this season.
“It’s a difficult team to play against,” said TFC II Head Coach Jason Bent prior to training on Thursday.
“We know they are undefeated but that should bring huge motivation for us to try and give them their first blemish on their results,” he continued.
This will be the third meeting between the two clubs. The previous match was on May 23rd, a goalless draw played at BMO Field.
Players to Watch
TFC II Head Coach Jason Bent is well aware of the defensive strength Rochester possesses but also singled out two offensive threats when he spoke to media on Thursday.
“Forbes, Jamaican, number 21, is very explosive on the wings. He’s a threat,” he said.
“Mendoza on the left wing, number 11, is very dangerous and likes to come inside,” he added.
Kenardo Forbes has one goal and two assists while Jonny Mendoza has two goals for the Rhinos this season.
Forward Christian Volesky leads the Rhinos in goals scored with 6.
Recapping the Home Opener in Vaughan
The long-awaited TFC II home opener at their new stadium, the Ontario Soccer Centre, finally took place this past Wednesday.
More than 850 people were in attendance to cheer on Your Reds as they battled the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
It was especially exciting for Malik Johnson, who made his professional debut with TFC II, and Gabriel Boakye who made his first start for the club.
“It was my professional debut with the USL team so it was really good. It was a great atmosphere as well so I had fun,” said Johnson to media on Thursday.
It was a great experience, the fans, everything. It was my first start for TFC II so I really enjoyed it,” answered Boakye.
Head Coach Jason Bent was pleased with the turnout and atmosphere at the match.
“I thought it was a good start and a good little atmosphere,” he said.
“The supporters group, I’m not sure which one it was but they were quite vocal all night pushing on the boys, so that was very encouraging to see and hopefully it gets better as we move forward,” he continued.
TFC II takes on the Rochester Rhinos this Saturday, July 11th at the Ontario Soccer Centre at 3:00PM ET. Follow along on Twitter @TorontoFCII using the hashtag #TFCLive and watch the action via livestream at torontofc.ca/live
