More than 5,000 Rochester school children watched as FC Buffalo held tough against the United Soccer League’s Rochester Rhinos before ultimately falling 3-0 at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester on Wednesday.
Playing with a split squad after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw in Binghamton, and three players looking to make the NPSL roster, FCB went down 1-0 thanks to one of our alumni. Rhinos forward Asani Samuels picked our pocket just outside the 18 before putting a picture-perfect shot past a helpless Steve Casey in goal.
The Rhinos controlled possession, but FCB settled in neatly during the latter stages of the first half. Luke Pavone had a key chance blocked atop the Rochester 18.
After halftime, some injuries in the middle of the park helped the Wolves give way as the Rhinos scored on beautiful goals from Drew Ruggles and Kenardo Forbes, the latter of whom has been capped thrice by the Jamaica national team.
Making their FCB debuts were forward Michael Clarke and defender Ross Suitor, while regular trainers Braden Scales, Brandon Galanti and Dominic Coco also got some minutes in bids to get added to the NPSL roster.
The Situation Room’s Nathan Fischer was on hand to take loads of photos we’ll share later, including the one featured above. To the right is another we snapped of FCB all-time appearances leader Chris Walter with his ex-teammate Samuels.
FCB will train on Friday before leaving for a Saturday league match against the Michigan Stars. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET from Wisner Stadium in Pontiac.
LINEUP
FC Buffalo XI: Casey; Hill, Slotemaker, McFayden, Thomas; Walter, Brandell, Pavone, Rozzano, Danzy; Clarke. Subs used: Shatkin, Beshaw, DiLorenzo, Doney, Willings, Suitor, Scales, Galanti, Coco.
