For the first time since the rebrand, we can say Rochester wins a league match! Rochester faced off yesterday against FC Cincinnati 2 on the road, and managed to pick up their first league win of the season! The win catapulted Rochester from bottom table (10) to 8th place, only 6 points from the playoff spot. However, its worth noting that Rochester has two games in hand over NYCFC II and Inter Miami II, and one in hand over TFC II, all of whom are directly above Rochester in the table.
First Half: Rochester was the better team throughout the match, dominating both sides of the ball. While being out-possessed by Cincinnati 2, 54%-46%, Rochester lead the way in the first half, with four shots, however only one being on target. The first shot on target counted though, as Preston Popp in the 42nd minute, found the wide open Pedro Dolabella in the box for and easy goal! A stellar stop by Caique just before the break, ensured Rochester went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
Second Half: Rochester started out with a more defensive focus in the second half, but continued to do well on the counter attack. Preston Popp had a chance to make it 2-0 Rochester, after an excellent cross from Milan Vanacker, however the ball was sent too high over the crossbar. Rochester would fire eight more shots, with four of those being on target. Ultimately Rochester would finally make the last one count, as Jesus Batiz broke down the defense and lofted it in over the defense to Milan Vanacker, who caught it on the volley and smashed it into the corner to bring it 2-0! FC Cincinnati 2 would get one back before the end of the game as Avionne Flanagan scored in the 87th minute to make it 2-1 Rochester.
Stat of the game: Rochester finished with 5 shots on goal with a total of 13 shots. Cincinnati 2 on the other hand only had 4 shots in the entire game, meaning Rochester had more shots on goal than Cincinnati 2 had total shots.
North Star Ultras' Player of the Game:
This matches North Star Ultras' Player of the Game is Milan Vanacker. The 20 Right back, played in a more wing back role today, going forward on offense and coming back to assist the three center backs. To his credit Vanacker scored the eventual game winner and should have had an assist to Preston Popp. He also finished with a team high 3 tackles for the match.
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