On Tuesday, the Union (4-9-3 in MLS) will host Rochester Rhinos (8-0-4 in USL) at PPL Park with kick off at 7:30 p.m. The game will be the first U.S. Open Cup match of the year for the Union after their great run last year that saw them into the finals against Seattle Sounders FC.
What you need to know:
The Rochester Rhinos play in the United Soccer League and are the USL affiliate of the New England Revolution. The USL is equivalent to what is the third division in U.S. soccer, behind the NASL (second) and MLS (first). The Rhinos have been in the USL since 2011 but so far are having their strongest season yet, going undefeated through 12 league games.
The team is winning games through their stout defense, only allowing four goals over their 12 games. Their four goals allowed is far and away the league best with the second best defensive team allowing 10. Their offense, however, hasn’t been their knock-out punch as they have only scored 16 goals, placing them in 14th in USL for goals scored.
The Rhinos have a strong history with the U.S. Open Cup, winning it in 1999. They were the last minor league team to win the Cup as every team to win since then has been from MLS. The Rhinos defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0 in what was Colorado's fourth year of MLS.
Players to watch out for:
Christian Volesky, Forward: While the Rhinos have not been great on the offensive side of the ball, Volesky is one of the two players who has been an attacking spark for the team. The former Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year was drafted No. 32 in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by the Portland Timbers, though he did not sign with the team. He has four goals and an assist on the season.
Tony Walls, Defender: Walls is one of the few players on the team with MLS experience, playing for Chicago Fire in 2012 before moving on from the team. He joined the Rhinos last season and won the team’s best defender award. He has been part of a backline that has only allowed 25 shots on goal through 12 games.
Brandon Miller, Goalkeeper: Miller has been a brick wall in the back for the Rhinos this season, allowing on .35 goals per game in the nine games he has played. He has posted six shutouts while saving 18 shots.
Facts and Figures:
This is the second meeting between the two teams. Their previous game was in the Third Round of the 2012 Open Cup with the Union winning 3-0. Freddy Adu scored two goals.
Current Union goalkeeper John McCarthy was the starter for Rochester last season, helping them get into the playoffs by only allowing .72 goals per game and posting 10 shutouts. McCarthy won USL Goalkeeper of the Year and Rookie of the Year during his tenure with the Rhinos.
Sebastien Le Toux is the all time leading goal scorer for MLS teams in the Open Cup with 14 goals.
The Union are coming off a 1-0 win against Reading United A.C. last Tuesday while the Rhinos are coming off a 2-0 win against Louisville City FC on Saturday.
