PITTSBURGH - The Rochester Raging Rhinos began defending their 1999 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title with a 2-1 victory in the second round tonight against the Pittsburgh RIVERHOUNDS, who made their first appearance in the tournament as the eighth seed in the East bracket.
Rochester midfielder Martin Nash marked his return from the Canadian National Team with an unassisted goal off a direct kick in the 15th minute to give the Rhinos a 1-0 lead. Pittsburgh forward Phil Karn, who led the HOUNDS in points and goals last year but was playing in just his third game this season after recovering from a foot fracture, answered in the 20th minute with an unassisted goal off a breakaway.
An apparent goal by the Rhinos was disallowed in the 44th minute when the officials ruled that a Rochester player had touched the ball with his hand. The Rhinos did break the tie, though, when Onandi Lowe scored off a corner kick by Nash in the 74th minute.
The RIVERHOUNDS had several good scoring chances in the second half but couldn't get the ball past Rochester goalkeeper Billy Andracki, who made six saves. The Rhinos outshot the HOUNDST 15-11, and Pittsburgh goalie Randy Dedini had eight saves.
The Rhinos advance in the U.S. Open Cup to take on D.C. United of the MLS, who beat the A-League's Charleston Battery, 4-0, in Charleston tonight. The RIVERHOUNDS will play A-League road games at Raleigh and Richmond before hosting the Columbus Crew in their official MLS exhibition at 7:35 p.m. June 24 at Bethel Park Stadium. Tickets are available by calling 412-381-GOAL (4625).
