The Dayton Dutch Lions capitalized in stoppage with a 94th minute goal by Joe Broekhuizen to tie the Rochester Rhinos 1-1 at Miami Valley Hospital Stadium in Beavercreek on Friday night.
For most of the game the Rhinos managed to protect their early score, which came in the 27th minute on a cross from Onua Obasi, converted by midfielder Samuel Petrone. The ball dipped into the goal just out of the reach of Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams for the early Rhino lead.
Although Dayton controlled possession and tempo early, Rochester responded well, and denied several Dayton scoring opportunities to hold onto their 1-0 lead at the half.
In the second half, Rochester came out of the gate hot, ready to defend their lead with a strong physical presence. Petrone’s shot in the 46th minute showed the Rhino determination, but Dayton’s Willams dove hard for the save. Dayton looked for a possibility in 61st minute with a wicked run by Eli Garner, whose cannon to the upper goal was punched over by Rochester keeper Luis Soffner. Dayton failed to convert their corner kick in spite of confusion in the box and the Rhinos maintained their lead.
Five minutes of stoppage saved Dayton, and the equalizing goal finally came in the 94th minute by Joe Broekhizen.
The resulting 1-1 was somewhat of a relief for Dayton Coach Sid van Druenen.
“There was a moment when the speed of the ball was good, the tempo was high, and there was flares of what we wanted to play. But there was too much long ball. The work ethic was fantastic, but the soccer we showed today is not the soccer we want to show.”
Dayton looks forward to their second game on the road, this time facing the Harrisburg City Islanders (0-1-0) on April 19th. The Dutch Lions return home for an April 26th game at Miami Valley Hospital Stadium against the Richmond Kickers (1-0-1).
