(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Rhinos returned home where they played only one of their first seven games of the season.  Their opponent was the Portland Timbers, a team which they played to a scoreless draw at PGE Park in Portland two weeks ago.

The Rhino entered Sunday's match with an 0-4-3 record however their opponents in those first seven matches all came against the top six teams in the USL First Division and all but one came on the road.

The Rhinos struck first in the in the 14^th minute when John Menyonger sent a through ball that was missed by Portland defender Cameron Knowles.  Striker Matthew Delicate scooped up the ball, eluded a defender and Timber netminder James Jordan and finished off with an open net and a 1-0 lead for Rochester.  Former Rhino Chris Bagley set up Justin Thompson with a well-placed cross in the 29^th minute, but Thompson's header went just high.

It appeared as though Thompson may have tied the match at 1-1 after a scrum inside the Rhinos six, but it was ruled a handball against the Timbers.  The equalizer did come however in the 77^th minute when Miguel Guante's initial shot was stopped by Scott Vallow, but the rebound was finished off by Justin Thompson. 

It didn't take long for Rochester to regain the lead as in the 80^th minute Luke Kreamalmeyer sent a ball into the box from the right side - 35 yards out.  Delicate gained position inside the box, and redirected the ball to an oncoming John Menyongar who finished off the play, beating Jordan, giving Rochester a
2-1 lead.

The lead would hold up as Rochester withstood some late Timber pressure to earn the first victory of Darren Tilley's Rhino career.  The Rhinos will be in action next on Saturday, June 7 when they welcome the Miami FC Blues to PAETEC Park.  Kick-off for the match is 7:35 p.m.