Rochester New York FC snapped Philadelphia Union II’s three-game winning streak with a 3-0 victory at Monroe Community College Saturday evening.
The win marked the home side’s third consecutive win, launching them into fifth in the Eastern Conference standings after starting the season with three losses in four games.
Despite the first half only having one shot on target from both sides, RNY FC managed to net a goal in the 33rd minute to open the scoring.
It came courtesy of midfielder Pedro Dolabella who slotted the chance into the bottom right corner after an RNY FC counterattack. Dolabella has now scored three goals in three games.
The visitors pushed for an equalizer to start the second half in order to save their winning streak. However, the RNY FC backline only conceded three shots on target all game despite also allowing 13 shots from Union II.
The game took an unexpected twist in the 61st minute as RNY FC midfielder Jacob Akanyirige was sent off following his second yellow card, leaving the home side defending a 1-0 lead with 10 men.
However, Union II defender Brandan Craig conceded a penalty a minute later and RNY FC forward Gibran Rayo took full advantage, doubling the lead for the home side.
Rochester New York FC slammed the door shut on Union II in the last minutes of stoppage time as Dolabella again scored, making it four goals in his last three matches.
As for Union II, the team from Philadelphia remains second in the Eastern Conference and look to begin another winning streak next week against New England Revolution II at Gillette Stadium on Friday, May 27 in MLS NEXT Pro's Game of the Week.
The Story: Rochester New York FC, the sleeping giants of MLS NEXT Pro have awoken
After starting the season with three defeats and only two points from a shootout win, Rochester New York FC is now on a three-game winning streak.
In that three-game span, MLS NEXT Pro’s lone independent club has scored nine goals and has only conceded two, a drastic difference that has led RNY FC to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
The backline has played a huge role in this run of form as players like goalkeeper Caique, defenders Gerardo Lopez, Gustavo Rissi, and Lamar Batista all have found their footing and now create one of the most formidable defenses in the league.
On the offensive side, midfielder Pedro Dolabella has taken it upon himself to score most of RNY FC’s goals. The 22-year-old Brazilian has four goals in three matches, nearly half of his side’s nine goals in that same span.
Watch out, MLS NEXT Pro’s sleeping giants might have awoken and have started their march towards the playoff picture.
