Rochester Rhinos News Release - www.rhinossoccer.com

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

GERMANTOWN, MD -- The Rochester Rhinos U.S. Open Cup championship hopes came to an end on Tuesday night when they fell to D.C. United by a final score of 2-0.

Marc Burch tallied both United goals off free kicks, the first in the 79th minute and the second coming just six minutes later.

The Rhinos played the home side pretty evenly for most of the match. D.C. had a couple of quality scoring chances turned aside by Scott Vallow, the first coming in the 12th minute by Rod Dychenko and the second coming off the foot of Francis Doe in the 27th minute of play.

The Rhinos who have lost in two previous matches to United in Open Cup play fell behind when Mark Burch converted a free kick from just outside the 18 after Rhino defender Scott Palguta fouled Fred in the 76th minute.

Burch would notch his second just seven minutes later on another free kick, this time after Tiger Fitzpatrick was called for a foul.

Rochester had their opportunities but could convert against a strong United squad. The Rhinos will return home to face the Vancouver Whitecaps at 7:35 p.m. at PAETEC Park as they reeuturn to First Division action.