ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Rhinos saw two valuable home points go out the window as they tied Ottawa Fury FC, 1-1, in a United Soccer League match at Capelli Sport Stadium Saturday night.
Still, the Rhinos moved up to third place in the Eastern Conference with seven games remaining in the regular season.
The visitors converted a second-half penalty kick to equalize.
Despite the draw, Rhinos head coach Bob Lilley still was pleased with his team’s play as the hosts dominated the match.
“I thought it was one of our better performances of the year,” he said. “We pressured high up the field, we didn’t sit back on our one goal lead. Nine times out of ten we win that match. We have a tough road ahead of us, and if we play like we did tonight, good things will happen.”
Christiano Francois’ goal in the 19th minute boosted Rochester into a 1-0 lead.
After a poor clearance, Jalen Brown collected the ball about 25 yards out and chipped it to Ryan James on the right wing. James ran to the endline and sent the ball into the penalty area. The goalkeeper was caught hanging on his near-post as Francois, the shortest player on the field, headed the ball home.
Ottawa equalized in the 71st minute as Steevan Dos Santos converted a penalty kick. Andrae Campbell carried the ball down the left wing and was fouled by James and was judged to be inside the box. Dos Santos sent goalkeeper Dan Lynd the other way for his team-leading eighth goal this season. Dos Santos scored in his fifth consecutive game, a Fury team record.