May 27, 2017
(Syracuse, NY) -- Last night the Rochester Lancers (1-2 record) did something for the first time since 1980......WIN!!
The NPSL Rochester Lancers men's outdoor team picked up their first win of the season, defeating Syracuse FC (0-2 record) 2-0 Friday night at OCC's David W. Murphy Field.
It's the first win for the Rochester Lancers outdoor franchise since 1980 when the Lancers played in the North American Soccer League (NASL).
Rochester opened the scoring in the 52nd minute when defender Glenn Holmes buried a loose ball into the back of the net off a set piece to make it 1-0 Lancers.
The Lancers would make it 2-0 off a corner kick in the 72nd minute when they were able to get to another loose ball in the box and bury it in the back of the net before the Syracuse FC defense could clear.
Rochester's backline set the tone early in the match clearing a free kick away promptly in the 12th minute as the Syracuse FC offense put on consistent pressure early in the match.
Lancers goalkeeper William Banahene recorded the shutout.
Syracuse FC continued to put pressure on the Lancers defense in the 2nd half winning two free kicks and drawing its 2nd yellow cards on the Lancers in the 66th minute.
The match ended in seemingly fitting fashion as Syracuse carried most of the pressure in the 2nd half. Syracuse FC had three quality shots in the final minutes, including a shot that hit the right post before the referee blew the final whistle.
The Rochester Lancers next match is Friday, June 2nd at 7pm when the battle the FC Buffalo in Buffalo at Robert E. Rich All High Stadium.
The Lancers return home next Sunday, June 4 when Rochester battles the Fort Pitt Regiment at 4pm at Wegmans Sports Complex at Aquinas Institute.