(Rochester) After a one hour lightning delay at Marina Auto Stadium, the Rhinos and Columbus Crew settled into a classic showdown that ended with Ryan Heins netting a penalty kick to give Rochester a third round win of the U.S. Open Cup.
The Rhinos opened the scoring when Johnny Menyongar crossed a ball in traffic that Ty Hardin trapped, turned and scored. A few minutes later, Duncan Oughton scored on a picture perfect bicycle kick to even the score at one.
Rochester had the best chance to win the game in the second half, but Andy Grunehaum stopped Andrew Gregor on a penalty kick in the 65th minute. Columbus had a man sent off arguing the penalty kick, putting the Rhinos were up one player for the last 25 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime, but could not take advantage.
The game was decided on penalty kicks. None of the first five kickers missed, but on the third Columbus try, Tim Melia made a sparkling save. He dove right to get a hand on a waist high shot, but the ball deflected back to his left and was trickling on net. Melia had to lay out and barely prevented the ball from crossing the goalline.
Two attempts later, Heins finished the game as Rochester went five for five on the PKs.
Rochester next will play Wilmington after they upset the MLS Chicago Fire Tuesday night. That game will be Tuesday, July 7th at 7pm in Rochester.