USOC: Short-handed Rhinos Prevail in ET

By Greg Johnstone
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Updated: May 27, 2015

Photo credit: Harrisburg City Islanders

Despite playing a man down for the majority of the match, the Rochester Rhinos advanced to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday after defeating the Harrisburg City Islanders 3-1 in extra time.

Asani Samuels was the difference in the match scoring the two deciding goals late in extra time to give the Rhinos victory. Kenardo Forbes and Brett Jankouskas also scored in the match for the Rhinos and Islanders, respectively.

The Rhinos had the upper hand in the first half, outshooting the hosts 5-1 through 45 minutes, but Rhinos striker Steevan dos Santos was given a second yellow card in the 38th minute, leaving Rochester short-handed the rest of the game.

Despite the man-advantage, the City Islanders failed to find the net in the second half, and the game went into extra time scoreless.

After an eventless first extra time session, the City Islanders drew first blood as Brett Jankouskas scored to put the home team on top in the 107th minute. The celebration was short-lived however, as Kenardo Forbes scored in the second straight U.S. Open Cup game for the Rhinos and tied the game at 1-1 in the 108th minute.

With the momentum swinging into the Rhinos’ favor, Rochester took advantage on an Asani Samuels goal in the 115th minute. Samuels put in his second goal minutes later in stoppage time, effectively ending the game 3-1.

Both Revolution loanees, Tyler Rudy and Timi Mulgrew, were not available for the Rhinos as both were in Foxborough for training on Wednesday. Providence College graduate Marcos Ugarte also did not appear for the Rhinos.

The Rhinos now advance to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, where they will travel to face the City Islanders’ MLS affiliate, the Philadelphia Union, on Jun. 16.

The Rhinos will return to USL play on Saturday when they host FC Montreal at 7:05 pm. Rochester has taken all possible six points against FC Montreal so far in 2015 winning both of their previous matchups this season.

The Rhinos also hope to maintain their status as the only remaining unbeaten team lest in the USL, as they sport a 6-0-4 record with 22 points, which leads the USL Eastern Conference.