ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos guaranteed a home game in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls II at Capelli Sport Stadium on Saturday night. The Rhinos had an early chance as Jochen Graf curled a shot from the left side toward the far corner that was handled by NYRB II goalkeeper Rafael Diaz. Rochester threatened again in the 28th minute off a half-cleared corner kick, when a shot back into the penalty area fell to Joe Farrell, whose shot from eight yards out was deflected over the crossbar. New York’s first good chance fell to Stefano Bonomo four minutes later, but the forward was unable to get enough purchase on his header to beat Rhinos goalkeeper Dan Lynd. Ten minutes before halftime the Rhinos opened the scoring as Christiano Francois precise cross found Graf for a flicked header from the top of the six-yard area. The Red Bulls II hit back immediately, however, as the French connection of Vincent Bezecourt and Florian Valot connected, with Valot flicked header from Bezecourt’s free kick leveling the score. New York almost took the lead as Junior Flemmings flashed a shot just wide of the right post from a tight angle from the left in the 55th minute. The Rhinos regained the lead in the 68th minute as a Graf was challenged by New York defender Hassan Ndam, but his tackled knocked the ball to Kenardo Forbes for a simple finish. The Red Bulls II almost hit back immediately for a second time, but Bonomo sent his finish wide of the left post after being slipped into the penalty area. Graf almost added his second of the night in the 72nd minute, only to see his header trickle onto the post and be claimed by Diaz, and the Red Bulls II goalkeeper made a great save on a penalty kick by Graf to the left side of the net with eight minutes to go to keep New York in the game. Rochester held on late, though, as New York’s pressure failed to produce an equalizer.

Scoring:

35’ – ROC – Jochen Graf (Christiano Francois)

37’ – NY – Florian Valot (Vincent Bezecourt)

68’ – ROC – Kenardo Forbes

Three Things That Matter:

1. Rochester sealed a home game in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs as it took its first win of the season against the Red Bulls II in another compelling contest between the two rivals. Jochen Graf’s goal and quasi-assist on Kenardo Forbes’ winner made the difference, although the German forward will have been disappointed not to put the game away sooner, particularly on his missed penalty kick in the 82nd minute. The Rhinos could now face a rematch of last season’s playoff opener when the Charlotte Independence came to Capelli Sport Stadium, and Rochester will be hoping to emulate that win as it looks for a second USL Cup in three seasons.

2. The Rhinos’ reputation as a defensive side has been hard to shake, but the side again put in a good attacking display thanks in part to the performance of Christiano Francois on Saturday night as he added to the danger provided by the likes of Kenardo Forbes, Wal Fall and leading scorer Jochen Graf. The Haitian winger notched his sixth assist of the season with an excellent cross from the right in the first half, and gave the Red Bulls II problems beyond that with his skill and speed. Francois almost picked up a second assist on the night when Graf’s header bounced agonizingly on the line after hitting the post, but the former Maryland standout could be one to watch in the postseason next weekend.

3. The Red Bulls II’s run of scoring two goals came to an end at eight consecutive outings, but the side remained dangerous on a tough night in open play thanks to the excellent set piece opportunities afforded by Vincent Bezecourt. The French midfielder – who earned an MLS contract midway through the season – recorded his 11th assist of the season with another pin-point delivery that found Florian Valot for his ninth goal of the season. As good as New York is in the flow of play the defending USL Cup champion will be a threat next week no matter their seed if their opponents give up free kicks in the attacking third.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Christiano Francois, Rochester Rhinos – Francois put in a strong shift down the right side, recording an assist on the opening goal and creating four other scoring chances in a good attacking display.