New England Soccer Today

USL: Rudy Goes Full 90 for Rhinos in Win

Photo credit: Saint Louis FC

Photo credit: Saint Louis FC

Tyler Rudy made his first USL start for the Rochester Rhinos on Saturday in a 1-0 win over Saint Louis FC at Worldwide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo.

Rudy, who entered the match with a combined 35 minutes of action in three substitute appearances, went the full 90 stationed in the central midfield on Saturday, providing quality minutes for a team playing their second match in three nights.

With the win, the Rhinos improved their record to 3-0-2 on the season.

Rudy, who is on loan from the New England Revolution, has been a frequent sub for the Rhinos at the start of the season since joining the squad last month, so with the team in need of rest, his inclusion in the XI not come as a surprise.

Fellow Revolution loanee, Timi Melgrew, did not make the 18, and has yet to see the field for the green and yellow.

Providence College graduate Marcos Ugarte, another frequent sub, started for the Rhinos but was removed in the 59th minute for Johnny Mendoza.

Rhinos Coach Bob Lilley effectively managed his squad’s depth, starting a mix of subs and starters and bringing in impact players like Johnny Mendoza and Colin Rolfe throughout the second half of the game. The strategy paid off when Rolfe scored the game’s lone goal in the 78th minute.

Rochester finished their five-game road trip to begin the season unbeaten at 3-0-2. The Rhinos now return to the state of New York for their home opener on Apr. 26 when they host New York Red Bulls II.

Leave a Reply