ROCHESTER, N.Y. – An early goal by Steevan Dos Santos gave the Rochester Rhinos a 1-0 victory against Toronto FC II on Saturday evening at Rhinos Stadium. The Rhinos took an early lead as a run and cross by Ryan James from the right found Dos Santos for a near-post header into the left corner of the net. Dos Santos almost added a second five minutes before the halftime break as he broke forward into the right side of the penalty area, but his finish went wide of the left post. Rochester went close again early in the second half when Kenardo Forbes’ shot from 20 yards was well saved by Toronto goalkeeper Quillan Roberts as the Rhinos continued to hold the upper hand. Wesley Charpie had a late chance for Toronto saved by Rhinos goalkeeper Tomas Gomez, while Roberts did well to deny a shot from distance by Forbes in stoppage time, but the Rhinos saw out the win, extending their undefeated streak to nine games.

Scoring: 
6’ – ROC – Steevan Dos Santos (Ryan James)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The Rhinos got the result they needed to put pressure on both the Charlotte Independence and Charleston Battery to match them in their games later tonight. The early goal by Steevan Dos Santos also had the effect of taking the air out of the game early, as Toronto rarely mustered a challenge to the Rhinos’ goal for much of the contest, and while the Rhinos occasionally threatened to add to their lead, the side appeared on cruise control for most of the remainder of the game.

• 2. With little to play for in terms of the standings, and closing out what has been another challenging season, it was still a little disappointing to not see more verve and creativity from Toronto in trying to break down the Rhinos’ defense. TFC II was better going forward for much of this season, including last week’s 2-1 victory against Orlando, but there is still much to be addressed for the team – and its players – to take a major step forward in 2017.

• 3. Whether they play at home or on the road in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2016 USL Cup Playoffs, the Rhinos are going to be a tough out as they look to defend their USL championship of a season ago in the postseason. Rochester’s win moved its undefeated streak to nine games, and with the side looking as solid defensively as it has at any point in the season right now, it’s going to take a good performance from an opponent to knock them out.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Steevan Dos Santos, Rochester Rhinos – Dos Santos’ second consecutive game with the game-winning goal gave the Rhinos victory in their regular-season finale, and also hope the side would start the playoffs on home turf.

Upcoming Games:

Rochester Rhinos – Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, vs No. 5 Charlotte Independence - Saturday, Oct. 1, 6:05 p.m. ET – Rhinos Stadium 

Toronto FC II – End of Season