Forward thinking has generally been frustrating for the Rhinos. Through the first half of the USL PRO League season, Rochester's front-runners have been hit or miss — but mostly miss.
But on Friday night, they broke out on their way to their fourth straight league win, a 2-1 victory over the Richmond Kickers in front of an announced crowd of 5,344 fans at Sahlen's Stadium. It was hardly a goal-fest, but all four forwards coach Bob Lilley used either scored or set up a goal. Isaac Kissi (47th minute) and Kendall Jagdeosingh (72nd) converted off passes by Anthony Hamilton and Andrew Hoxie, respectively, as the Rhinos (8-4-3) stretched their USL unbeaten streak to 5-0-1 and improved to 5-0-2 at home, where they've outscored foes 8-2.
"We just have to play well and attack the game. I felt like bouncing back after (Kissi's) missed PK and (Richmond's) goal that tied it, we weren't going to settle for a draw." coach Bob Lilley said. "The appetite was there and that's huge for us."
The Rhinos (27 points), who responded well after Tuesday's emotional U.S. Open Cup loss to Chicago (MLS), stretched their lead to six points in the USL's National Division over Harrisburg. They play at home at 7 p.m. Sunday against American Division leader Orlando City.
"Honestly I think both goals we could have done better defensively," veteran Richmond goalie Ronnie Pascale said. "But give them credit. They were two good finishes."
The night didn't start well for Kissi. Last year's top scorer, who was playing in just his third game since returning from an irregular heartbeat that sidelined him the first 2½ months, failed to cash in on an 11th-minute penalty kick after a handball in the box by David Hertel. Pascale guessed correctly, diving to his right, and that threw off Kissi, who hit a weak shot.
"I was like, 'I've got to make something happen,' because after that PK I almost felt crushed," Kissi said. The second-year pro atoned by patiently slipping an eight-yard shot past Pascale after Hamilton's clever back-heel pass over a defender.
"Typical of a goal-scorer, (the PK) didn't buckle him ... it's nice to get him out of the gate," said Lilley, whose club is 14-3-5 at home the past two seasons. "It's a big goal for him."
But Richmond tied it in the 56th minute on an own-goal. Henry Kalungi won a far-post header over Connor Tobin, who made his first appearance since a May 27 hamstring injury, and put the ball into a crowd in front. It went off defender Tyler Bellamy.
The winning goal was a beautiful set up and finish by second-half substitutes Hoxie and Jagdeosingh. Tyler Rosenlund found Hoxie posting up on the 18-yard line and he slid a short pass to the speedy Jagdeosingh as he darted past. Jagdeosingh one-timed a strong shot from 12 yards by a helpless Pascale.
"I know Hoxie is going to take (the ball) down comfortably and we were on the same page," said Jagdeosingh, whose three goals tie him with Hoxie for the team lead.
"I know we've been inconsistent but it's something we've been striving for."
Richmond had a couple of dangerous looks late, including David Bulow's tough-angle shot in stoppage time that was well struck but went wide of diving goalie Neal Kitson and the far post.