By Rochester Rhinos,

The quest for the 2017 USL Cup continues on Friday, April 7th, when Toronto FC II host the Rochester Rhinos. Kick-off for the match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be televised online on USL Match-Center/YouTube.

The Rhinos defeated TFC II 3-1 at the Pinnacle Athletic Complex this preseason. The Rhinos scored all three of their goals after the 82nd minute in a contest they largely controlled. Each team traded own goals before a Jalen Brown brace secured the Rhinos victory.

The Rhinos come off a spectacular 3-2 win away at Bethlehem Steel FC, where the Steel started several Philadelphia Union (MLS) loanees, including former USMNT forward Charlie Davies and 14-year MLS vet Brian Carroll.

The Rhinos played a 4-4-1-1 last time out, with Ryan James sitting behind Darius Madison up top. Wall Fall and Kenardo Forbes both played spectacularly in the center of the midfield, while Mike Garzi and Stefan Defregger operated on the outside. Jordan Dover played right back, while Bradley Kamdem Fewo was on the left. Ryan Felix and Joe Farrell controlled the center of the defensive line, protecting goalkeeper Tomas Gomez.

The Rhinos were looking for players to replace the goal-scoring output of Steevan Dos Santos and Christian Volesky (who won USL Player of the Week this matchweek), as the Rhinos aren't returning any forwards. Darius Madison scored 9 minutes into his professional debut, while Jochen Graf subbed into the game for Madison in the 65th minute and scored the winner in the 88th.

2017 MLS Superdraft 2nd-round pick Jalen Brown had an extremely impressive preseason since being waived by NYCFC, including the two goals against TFC II. He provided the game-winning assist to Graf in Bethlehem shortly after coming on in the 86th minute.

Brandon Beresford looked very solid coming off the bench in the 76th minute, just a few days after representing Guyana for an international friendly against Martinique.

This will be TFC II's home opener. Toronto FC II has started the season 1-2, after starting the season with a 1-0 victory at Phoenix, then dropping two straight in Florida vs. Tampa Bay 4-0 and Orlando 3-1.

In last year’s three game series, Toronto and Rochester shared the points going 1-1-1. Toronto won the first battle at the Ontario Soccer Centre 2-1, with each team scoring in injury time. A month later, the teams met again in Ontario. Toronto spoiled the party in the 77th minute, canceling out a 27th minute Volesky strike to finish 1-1. The Rhinos would get their revenge on the last match of the season, defeated TFC II 1-0 on a 7th-minute dos Santos goal.

Game notes:

The Rhinos lead the all time series over TFC II 4-2-1 since TFC II entered the league in 2015

TFC II; like Bethlehem Steel FC, are expected to play a handful of first-team MLS players in addition to TFC academy products.

The Ontario Soccer Centre is also home to the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum

TFC II have played Sergio Camargo and Oyvind Alseth, both belonging to the MLS first-team who played at Syracuse University.

The Rhinos will finish their season-opening road trip next week when they face the Charleston Battery on April 15th at 7:00 p.m. The club’s home opener is on Saturday, April 22 when the defending USL Cup champion New York Red Bulls II visit Capelli Sport Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m. ET.

Advance single game tickets are always available at a discount. Order online using this link, visit the Capelli Sport Stadium Box Office or call 585-454-5425. For limited time, fans can use the promo code 'SOCCER' for $10 off opening day tickets. Those who use this promo code will automatically be entered in a drawing for a Rhinos Prize Pack, which includes an autographed jersey.

Season tickets are available here, including the Youth Fan Club which includes a home jersey, full season ticket and more for just $45!



For groups of 10 or more and special discounted season tickets and packages please contact the Rhinos at tickets@rhinossoccer.com or call using the phone number above.