via rhinossoccer.com
The improbable happened, and Rochester was able to outlast the reigning US Open Cup champion DC United on a miserable Tuesday night in upstate New York.
The damage was done my Colin Rolfe, who scored from the six-yard box on the back end up a nice set-up from Michael Garzi. The shot went past the reach of 2013 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year, Andrew Dykstra, who now plays in Washington.
There weren’t a whole lot of chances from United early on, and Rhinos goalkeeper John McCarthy (looking very Petr Cech-like) was only tested a few times. The score remained tied at half, and little excitement came between then and the 60th minute (save for a Jonny Mendoza to Garzi chance in the 52nd), when Steve Birnbaum received his second caution of the match and was sent off. Play was then suspended in the 61st, around 8:24pm, after thunderstorms cleared the field.
Play resumed at 9:02, and with the start-up, so came on DC United captain Bobby Boswell. Play was short, however, as a second stoppage was called at 9:11pm, this time lasting 91 minutes. The teams began play again, around 10:42 to an admittedly dry looking pitch — kudos to the Rochester grounds crew. From there, DC materialized a few chances, especially in the final minutes, but it was to no avail. This was the first time that the Rhinos have defeated DC in USOC play.
Rolfe looked good with his goal, but Mendoza was simply everywhere on the field all night, and was arguably the man of the match. Alex Dixon was looking especially speedy, in defiance of his reported injury, and McCarthy was on point all evening. The Rhinos will now play the winner of Richmond/New England.
Third Kick 