Rochester Rhinos play first home match on May 1
Bob Lilley won’t have to wait until June to coach his first home game at Rhinos Stadium this season.
The Rochester Rhinos, which announced their 30-match schedule Monday, open their home schedule May 1 against the Carolina RailHawks at Marina Auto Stadium, unlike last season when the opener wasn’t until June.
“We are excited to be in front of our fans a little bit sooner,” Lilley said. “For us to have some of those home games in May as opposed to June … we’re excited about that.”
The Rhinos open their United States Soccer Federation Division II schedule on April 10 at Miami. Rochester plays three more matches before coming home.
The Rhinos will play their regular-season home finale against Miami on Sept. 17 and season finale at AC St. Louis on Oct. 3.
“I think looking at it compared to last year, it’s a little more balanced with home and away games,” Lilley said.
Eight teams will qualify for the USSF Division II playoffs.
The first-place teams in each conference will advance to the postseason along with the next six teams.
“At the end of August going into September, there is a pretty good break there,” Lilley said. “That’s a good time to get healthy, get strong and prepare for the playoffs.”
