The Des Moines Menace came into Rochester as the premier PDL team. They average more than most A-League teams in attendance, and they break ground on a new stadium within the next month. All the press that was given to this - and the fact that the Rhinos said they would not take the team lightly - appeared to turn into wasted breath as the Rhinos got their first goal in the second minute. Des Moines' goalie came out too far and Rochester midfielder Kirk Wilson was able to play it past him. The Rhinos looked to get some assurance when Rochester midfielder Martin Nash was able to notch their second goal of the night in the 21st minute.
Des Moines did not quit or lose heart, and in the 35th minute, they pulled within one of Rochester with Midfielder Tomas Boltnar placing a beautiful shot past the Rhinos Defense and 'keeper Pat Onstad.
The match never once looked like a superior A-League Team playing a lucky PDL team. On the contrary, Des Moines proved why they are so good and why they have so many fans. Some of the most entertaining soccer Rochester has seen took place in the second half. Both sides missed chances to either tie or pull further ahead, most by mere inches. Finally, the Menace broke through in the 70th minute. Having subbed in only three minutes earlier, Edward Child beat Pat Onstad to even the game at 2.
With the clock ticking its final seconds of stoppage time, Des Moines had two one-on-one opportunities to take the game, but Onstad came up big and made two fantastic saves. Once again, overtime was good to the Rhinos, with Lenin Steenkamp putting home the game-winning goal only 3 minutes in.
Inside Track:
- The Rhinos will now face the Kansas City Wizards of the MLS on Wednesday, July 17th at Webster Schroeder H.S. (conflict with baseball game at Frontier Field).
Scoring Summary
1 2 OT Final
DES 1 1 0 2
ROC 1 1 1 3
Goals:
Rochester 2' Wilson (Suarez)
Rochester 21' Nash
Des Moines 35' Boltnar
Des Moines 70' Child
Rochester 93' Steenkamp (Mladenov)
Rochester Lineup: G- Onstad, D- Demmin, D- Schweitzer, D- Walton, D- Bankov,
M-Suarez (Mladenov 67'), M- Nash, M-Wilson, M- Steenkamp,
F-Simmonds (J. Tanner 54'), F-Stebbins (Sedgewick 83')
Rating the Rhinos
On a scale of 8 (highest), here's how the Rhinos fared versus Des Moines:
Pos. Name Keith's Rating J-P's Rating Comments
GK Onstad 7 6.5 Made big saves, but 2 goals are a lot to
give up to a 4th division team.
D Demmin 7 6.5 Played solid at the back.
D Schweitzer 5 5 Played sub-par and was one of the defensive
factor as to why this game was closer than it
should have been.
D Walton 5 5 See Scott Schweitzer.
D Bankov 6 6.5 36 years old going on 18. Fast to the ball,
frustrated Menace forwards all night.
M Suarez 7 7 A playmaker that compliments Mladenov
nicely. Some nice touches on the ball tonight.
M Nash 6 7.5 Consistently a good player who is exciting to
watch. Good ball movement and a nice goal.
M Wilson 8 8 Played much better than recent form. Nice
immediate goal.
M Steenkamp 8 8 Played an all-around good game. Seems at
times like he's the only Rhino willing to
shoot on goal.
M Mladenov 7 7.5 Assisted on game winner with sweet move
from corner. All-around great game and
great player.
F Simmonds 6 6 Looked like he could have used some help
up top tonight. Stebbins didn't provide it.
F Stebbins 4 5 Slow, lethargic and unable to keep up
with the faster legs of the Menace's
defense.
- Coaches 6 6.5 Made some adjustments late. Some rather
bone-headed decisions nearly cost
them the game.
