from Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.com
Late goal lifts Toronto past Rhinos
STAFF REPORTS
(May 17, 2004) — TORONTO - Despite playing a man-down from the 33rd minute on and a controversial penalty, the Rochester Rhinos were just seconds away from forcing overtime in their match against Toronto on Sunday. Darren Baxter, however, didn’t allow it.
The 22-year-old scored with just seconds left in stoppage time, giving the Lynx a 2-1 victory.
”It was very disappointing,” Rhinos coach Pat Ercoli said, “because, even playing a man-down, we fought hard.”
Baxter received the pass 15 yards out with nobody in front of him and managed to beat current Rhinos and ex-Lynx keeper Theo Zagar for the score.
It was Shaun Tsakiris’ red card in the 33rd minute that was the most destructive blow to the Rhinos.
The midfielder came in with his cleats exposed, a dangerous play that not only left Rochester a man-down against the Lynx, but one that also left the Rhinos (2-1-1) without Tsakiris for Saturday’s rematch with rival Syracuse at Frontier Field.
”I think the call on the red card was fine,” Ercoli said.
What drew Ercoli’s ire instead was Ali Gerba’s penalty kick that gave Toronto (2-3) a 1-0 lead in the 69th minute.
”The linesman put his flag up to indicate that the foul took place outside of the box,” Ercoli said. “The referee was on the other side of the midfield, 40 yards away, and the linesman was right on top of the play. He didn’t even want to discuss it.”
Rhinos defenseman Bill Sedgewick tied the score in the 82nd minute, recovering his own rebound and drilling the ball inside the right post.
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Rhinos vs. Fire
Matchup: Rochester vs. the Chicago Fire (MLS) in an exhibition match.
Time/site: 7:35 tonight, Frontier Field.
Listen: WYSL-AM (1040), WBER-FM (90.5) or Internet at www.wysl1040.com
Tickets: Call 423-9464. Season-ticket holders should use ticket No. 16.
Local connections: Chicago head coach Dave Sarachan and assistant Craig Reynolds are both former Rochester Lancers players.
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