The Rochester Rhinos are in the same stage against the same opponent heading into the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday. The circumstances and dynamic of the Rhinos’ nemesis, however, have changed from a year ago.

The defending USL champion Rhinos, seeded fourth in the East, visit 2016 USL Regular Season Champions the New York Red Bulls II on Friday at Red Bull Arena (7 p.m. ET).

NYRBII had a record-breaking regular season, setting USL highs in points (69), wins (21) and goals scored (61). The club also posted 16 regular-season shutouts, one shy of Rochester’s USL record of 17 set in 2015.

“I would say they are a stronger team. You see the difference,” Rochester midfielder Kenardo Forbes said. “They press high up the pitch to get the ball back, and that puts less stress on their defenders. They are a solid team offensively and defensively. We know they’re a good team, and we’re mentally prepared.”

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Forbes assisted the second of Steevan Dos Santos’ goals during a 2-0 win against NYRBII in last season’s Eastern Conference Semifinal in Rochester. The game also included a first-half sending off of New York’s Konrad Plewa that heavily impacted the match.

Last year’s Rhinos were 2-0-1 in regular-season play against NYRBII, but this season has been a much different story. They have played to three draws, two of them being scoreless ties.

A winner will need to be determined Friday, and the matchup figures to be another closely fought affair.

“New York knows we are not an easy team to play,” said defender Wal Fall, who is coming off a strong performance during Rochester’s 3-1 win against the Charlotte Independence last week. “We will try to play our best game for us and make it hard for them. This is a special game for both. We want to win this game.”

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“The keys are to stay disciplined and stay in our shape and communicate on the field – each and every player,” Forbes said. “We know it’s a tough one on the road. We went there and had a good game against them, even though we didn’t win. We know we can match up with them.”

Following their 2015 title-winning run, the Rhinos were fully prepared for a year in which they would be wearing a target. Forbes and a good handful of last season’s club returned, but there were some anticipated personnel changes.

With Head Coach Bob Lilley at the helm, Forbes knew the approach would stay intact, and it was a matter of the roster embracing the tactics.

The Rhinos are in the midst of a 10-game unbeaten streak heading into New York, and they will need to maintain that top form against a talented NYRBII side.

“Knowing everyone’s going to chase you for what you did last season, we had a lot of new guys, but it’s the same system, so nothing changed for the Rhinos,” Forbes said. “We play good defense, try to finish our chances, so it’s no different from last year. The young guys bought into the team and understand our system better. It’s a good group and everyone has bought in. That’s why we’re in this situation right now.”