ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos and Charlotte Independence played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday night at Rhinos Stadium as both sides had chances, but neither was able to find the back of the net in windy conditions in upstate New York. The Rhinos (4-1-2, 13pts) came out firing early, but the Independence (5-2-2, 17pts) withstood the hosts and then came close to stealing all three points when David Estrada’s chipped shot came back off the crossbar in the 67th minute. In the end, though, both defenses held firm as the sides shared the points.

Three Things That Matter:

1. While the game ended scoreless, the game did bring some bright spots as two teams you’d expect to see contending for the playoffs battled one another. The Independence in particular used the wind at their backs well in the second half, and Rhinos goalkeeper Adam Grinwis was sharp to record a pair of good saves shutout and earn the hosts a point.

2. Charlotte’s undefeated streak extended to six games, and picked up its third shutout in the past four games, as the back line was able to limit an early surge that saw Rochester get on the front foot early on. The Independence will return home to Ramblewood Stadium now to face a massive game with FC Cincinnati, with both sides entering the contest with identical 5-2-2 records in the top three of the Eastern Conference standings.

3. The Rhinos didn’t complete a perfect four-game home stand, but 10 points out of 12 is a very solid return as the club extended its home undefeated streak to 22 games. Next comes a trip to face Orlando City B next Sunday, before another home test against a Bethlehem Steel FC side that should bring some bite to Rhinos Stadium.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Joe Farrell, Rochester Rhinos – Farrell was solid at the heart of the Rhinos defense as the hosts held an attack that had scored 10 goals in its past five games to a handful of good chances.

Upcoming Games:

May 22: Rochester Rhinos at Orlando City B, 7:30 p.m. ET, Titan Soccer Complex

May 21: Charlotte Independence vs. FC Cincinnati, 7 p.m. ET, Ramblewood Stadium