Men's soccer to play Rochester Rhinos in exhibition match :: Game to be played at Corning Memorial Stadium

March 18, 2008

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - St. Bonaventure's men's soccer team will play the Rochester Rhinos in an exhibition match on Wed., April 9, at Corning Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.

"This will be an excellent opportunity for us," said St. Bonaventure coach Mel Mahler. "Our guys are really excited to have the chance to play a professional team. Knowing we have this match against the Rhinos coming up gives us extra purpose in our training, which will only help us in the long run. Plus, it will give us a little more of an accurate gauge of where we are as a program heading into next fall. We are really looking forward to the match."

All tickets for the game will be general admission and will cost $5. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the following outlets: the St. Bonaventure University Ticket Office (716) 375-2500; the Greater Corning Chamber of Commerce (607) 936-4686 in the Baron Steuben Building on Market Street; or through representatives of the Corning United Soccer Club or Soaring Capitals Soccer Club. Tickets may also be purchased on game day at Corning Memorial Stadium.

St. Bonaventure finished with a record of 6-7-3 overall in 2007. The Bonnies went 3-4-2 against a competitive Atlantic 10 Conference slate.

In the April 9 match, Mahler expects to play some of his current senior players such as twin brothers Nick and Jon Lopez, who are pursuing professional soccer careers of their own.

"We're excited for the opportunity to open our preseason schedule against St. Bonaventure," said Rhinos coach Laurie Calloway. "They're a very talented team and we expect nothing but a great contest between both clubs as we each prepare for our respective seasons."

The Rhinos play in the United States Soccer League's First Division. They went 12-10-6 in the 2007 season, finishing in fifth place out of 12 teams.

This season, the Rhinos will once again be led by veteran goalkeeper Scott Vallow. The 10th-year pro currently ranks ninth on the Rhinos all-time list with 97 games started. The former MLS star is also tied for second among all-time Rhinos goalkeepers with 52 wins, while his 19 ties and 38 shutouts are a franchise best. Hamed Diallo piloted Rochester's offense last season with nine goals and two assists for 20 points in his first season with the Rhinos.

The Rhinos will begin their 13th season on Friday, May 2, in Charleston, S.C., when they take on the two-time USL First Division champion Charleston Battery. Rochester opens its 2008 home slate at PAETEC Park on May 17 against Charleston at 7:35.