ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos took a 2-1 victory against a Saint Louis FC side that played more than 80 minutes down to 10 men on Saturday night at Capelli Sport Stadium. Saint Louis took the lead in the third minute as Ryan Howe fired home a free kick from 25 yards low into the right corner of the net, but three minutes later the visitors were reduced to 10 men as Seth Rudolph was sent off after handling on the goal line from a Rhinos corner. Rochester’s Wal Fall converted from the penalty spot to even the score. Fall went close late in the first half with a near-post shot from the right side of the penalty area that was turned aside by STLFC goalkeeper Adam Grinwis, but the teams went to the break even. The Rhinos also went close early in the second half as Grinwis denied Julian Buescher from the left side of the penalty area, but 10 minutes after the break a beautiful cross by Christian Francois bisected the back line and Grinwis to allow Jochen Graf to knock home a first-time finish. Ryan James hit the crossbar for the Rhinos four minutes later as the hosts continued to push forward, but while Rochester was unable to add to its lead, its defense held firm as Saint Louis tried to threaten from set pieces late on to clinch the victory.

Scoring:
3’ – STL – Ryan Howe (Dragan Stojkov)
7’ – ROC – Wal Fall (penalty)
55’ – ROC – Jochen Graf (Christian Francois)

• #ROCvSTL: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Holding a man-advantage, the Rochester Rhinos had difficulty breaking down Saint Louis’ defense in the opening half on Saturday. An adjustment that brought Christiano Francois into the play more on the right side proved the decisive move as the hosts took its seventh home win of the season and moved level on points with the fourth-place Tampa Bay Rowdies with a game in hand. All three of Francois’ key passes in the second half came from the same area at the top-right corner of the penalty area, with the delivery to Jochen Graf for the game-winner a picture-perfect ball.  

• 2. Saint Louis couldn’t have asked for a better start to the game with Ryan Howe’s free kick continuing the good feeling after Wednesday night’s victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC, but from there the took a 180-degree turn as Seth Rudolph’s handball on the goal line not only saw the midfielder sent off, but gave the Rhinos a penalty kick to level. STLFC reorganized well, but Christiano Francois’ bending cross that picked out Jochen Graf for the eventual game-winner was too good, and gave Saint Louis a mountain that was too big to climb.

• 3. After suffering a late defeat last Saturday night, Rochester’s victory ensured it remain firmly in contention for a top-four berth at the end of the regular season. The Rhinos will also be boosted by the return of Kenardo Forbes next weekend after the completion of his three-game suspension, which will provide a welcome boost in the final third as he gets the chance to team up with D.C. United loanee Julian Buescher for the first time. With the likes of Jochen Graf and Wal Fall available eager for service, the Rhinos’ attack could be as dangerous as it has been all season when it visits Toronto FC II.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Christiano Francois, Rochester Rhinos – Francois provided a great assist on the game-winning goal, and was good in possession throughout as he completed 30 of 33 passes.

Upcoming Games:
Rochester Rhinos at Toronto FC II – September 2, 7:30 p.m. ET, Ontario Soccer Centre
Saint Louis FC at Toronto FC – August 30, 7:30 p.m. ET, Ontario Soccer Centre