Jeff DiVeronica
The Rochester Rhinos snapped a two-match losing streak tonight, coming from behind to beat second-place Vancouver, 3-1, before an announced crowd of 7,356 at PAETEC Park.
Midfielder Ze Roberto, the Brazilian who played against Rochester for years while with Hershey and Montreal, scored twice to lead the Rhinos, who improved to 3-1-2 at home.
Vancouver (7-4-2), which beat the Rhinos 1-0 in May but lost 3-0 at PAETEC on June 13, stunned Rochester (3-5-5) by taking the lead just 10 seconds into the match. Midfielder Justin Moose sent a pass into the box from 35 yards and Nick Adderly slotted a 16-yard shot inside the right post.
The Rhinos tied it just 34 seconds into the second half when Roberto tucked a well-placed shot from 21 yards inside the left post.
Jay Nolly made a diving block of Mauricio Salles’ 12-yard header off a floater in front from Danny Earls, but the Vancouver goalie couldn’t deny the Rhinos again in the 71st minute. Salles sent a pass up the left sideline to Earls and the 19-year-old whipped a left-footed cross in front. That’s where Johnny Menyongar scored on a 10-yard volley inside the left post.
Roberto added an insurance goal, his third of the season, in the 89th minute by chipping a shot over Nolly.
Rochester continues its three-match homestand on Friday against the Seattle Sounders. The 8 p.m. match will be televised by Fox Soccer Channel.
