Who: Toronto FC II (1-0-2) vs. Rochester Rhinos (1-0-0)
When: Friday, April 7, 2017. 7:30 PM
Where: Ontario Soccer Centre
Tickets: Here
The Young Reds are returning home this Friday, as they host their across the lake rivals, the Rochester Rhinos.
Last season, the Reds were 1-1-1 against the Rhinos. All-time, the Reds have fared poorly against Rochester, struggling to a 1-4-2 record. However, the Reds did play tough against Rochester last season and looked impressive in their 2-1 victory at the OSC in June.
The Rhinos have played just once so far, a victory last weekend against Bethlehem Steel FC. On the other hand, the Reds have played three matches, winning the opener, before dropping two games in Florida.
“They are a little bit of a different team than they were before. They are not big as they were up front in terms of strikers,” said head coach Jason Bent on the Rhinos, “They are very quick; they look to get as many turnovers as they can.”
Despite the result against Orlando City, the match saw the return of captain Mitch Taintor. “It’s always good to get back out there with the guys again. It is always a great honour to be named captain. I’m ready for the challenge and I’m really proud to be the captain.”
“We are all excited to play in front of the fans and to represent Toronto,” added Taintor.
The Young Reds will be without defender Lars Eckenrode for an extended period as head coach Jason Bent confirmed the former Michigan Wolverine broke his leg against Tampa.
Players to Watch
Wal Fall: Possibly the best name in the USL, Wal Fall is a beast of a midfielder. The native of Frankfurt, Germany is now in his second season with the Rhinos. Fall appeared in 23 matches for the Rhinos last year, registering two goals. Fall converted a penalty in the Rhinos’ victory against Bethlehem.
Darius Madison: The former Philadelphia Union youth player spent four years in the NCAA before signing with Rochester in February. Madison is a small and agile forward, who scored a delightful goal, just nine minutes into his professional debut.
