ROCHESTER, N.Y. — In its final game at Marina Auto Stadium, Toronto FC II dropped a 2-0 decision to Bethlehem Steel FC in a United Soccer League game Thursday night.
The Rochester Rhinos are taking a year off while its owners, David and Wendy Dworkin, decide whether the club will return in 2019.
No attendance was announced.
The match’s start was delayed due to a storm rolling through Monroe County as kickoff was pushed back 40 minutes while lightning strikes lit up the night sky.
Once underway the visitors had the early jump forcing the TFC (2-17-3, 9 point) backline into making significant blocks and interceptions. Caleb Patterson-Sewell was also sharp in goal holding out the Bethlehem (10-10-6, 36) attack into the halftime break.
The Red’s best first-half chance came in the 32nd minute off a corner kick. The ball found its way to Lars Eckenrode, who with his back to the goal, flicked the ball over his head. The ball looped in the air as it touched the top of the bar and went out for a Steel FC goal kick.
Patterson-Sewell continued his strong play in the second half, denying Bethlehem twice, once to his left and once from a shot straight on.
Bethlehem broke the deadlock in the 70th as Michee Ngalina streaked in behind the Reds backline on a ball from Drew Skundrich and slipped the ball past an on-rushing Patterson-Sewell.
The visitors added one more as Aidan Apodaca found some space in the 18 and slid it home to make it 2-0 in the 82nd minute.
Toronto FC II finished with a 1-3 mark here.
