The Rochester Rhinos unbeaten in their last three matches took to the road to face the Montreal Impact from Saputo Stadium.  Montreal, a place that had been unfriendly to the Rhinos as Rochester had lost 13 straight in Montreal before winning last July.  (photo courtesy of Montreal Impact)

Most of the game was played pretty evenly and with much back and forth between the two sides.  The Impact gained the advantage early on scoring the first goal just five minutes after the opening whistle.  Rocco Placentino, running alone down the left side finished his opportunity blasting a shot past Rhinos goalkeeper Scott Vallow near post from ten yards out. 

Rochester tied the score in the 23' minute on what seemed to be a harmless play.  Taking the throw-in defender John Ball, launched the ball into the Montreal box.  Chris Nurse, attempting to flick the ball on, managed to get his head on the ball, deflecting it in the net past Matt Jordan.

Placentino nearly struck again minutes after Nurse's tally, taking his defender one-on-one in the box and firing a shot on goal, just missing about a foot high.  Continuing to apply pressure David Testo found himself with another opportunity from 15 yards.  Rhino defender Brent Sancho however was there to block Testo's shot out for a throw-in. 

With the first half in stoppage time, the Rhinos struck off a set piece led by Mike Ambersley.  Ambersley, started the play getting the ball to Tiger Fitzpatrick.  Fitzpatrick, after gaining control sent a left-footed bender into the upper corner, just past the outstretched arms of Jordan. 

Placentino had a golden chance to get the equalizer after a missed tackle by a Rhino defender, Placentino found himself all alone with Vallow.  After getting the Rhinos 'keeper out of position he cut to his left only to find Sancho there to clear the ball away.  Montreal continued to increase pressure as the second half wore on.  Another terrific opportunity eluded the Impact as Vallow was beaten but defender Sancho cleared the ball off the line, keeping the score 2-1.  

In end-to-end action, Rochester had an opportunity to take a 3-1 lead with an advantage in numbers , but Fitzpatrick's shot was stopped by Jordan with an incredible diving save to his right.  Moments later, off the transition , Montreal's Eddy Sebrango's game tying attempt was hammered right at Vallow for an easy save.

A three-on-two in stoppage time for Rochester, couldn't result in a goal, as the Impact continued to press but were denied at every turn by the Rochester defense. 

Rochester improves to 3-1-1 this in 2009 and will next face the Portland Timbers on Thursday night from Portland.  Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 p.m. and will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel.