When the RNY FC season began back in March, there was some thought it might take a little while for the squad to gel.
Maybe that meant that Rochester would start the NLS NEXT Pro campaign slowly, especially with so many away games in the first month.
But at some point, the newly formed roster, which is one of the oldest in the league, was going to put it all together and start playing well.
We are at that point.
After a first win in the MLS NEXT Pro last Sunday against FC Cincinnati 2, and a very competitive showing in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round over the defending MLS Cup champion NYCFC, Rochester took to the turf at Monroe Community College against a struggling Inter Miami CF II side that is one of the youngest in the league.
It did not take long for RNY FC to establish control of the contest, as two goals in the first 20 minutes helped the hosts win 4-1. With its second-straight MLS NEXT Pro victory, RNY FC has now climbed up to seventh in the table with eight points, and Rochester still has a match in hand over many of the teams ahead of it in the standings.
Rochester came out against the visiting team from Miami and immediately stamped its authority on the contest. RNY FC had a majority of the possession early, and it turned into a goal in the 10th minute. Ed Williams fired home a free kick after a foul right outside the box set the attacking midfielder up with a perfect placement.
It was 2-0 just 10 minutes later, as Gibran Rayo found Pedro Dolabella in the box, and the midfielder worked his magic to place it in the back of the net and give the hosts a well-deserved two goal lead at the break.
Just like in the first half, RNY FC scored two goals in quick succession to put away the contest early in the second half. Rayo found right back Jacob Akanyirige, who hit a sweet left-footed shot from inside the 18 that curled around the keeper and into the side of the net for a 3-0 Rochester lead.
The final goal for the hosts came in the 57th minute, and it came from a fourth different goal scorer. Jesus Batiz ghosted in to the far post, and Rayo played a sweet ball across the six for his third assist of the evening to make it 4-0.
Not even a goal three minutes later from Kobi Thomas to make it 4-1, nor the frequent rain showers that fell during the match, could dampen the spirits of the players and fans in attendance. With two league wins on the bounce, it feels like RNY FC is starting to build something special with this team.
Now, with just league matches left on the docket, and seven of its next eight matches against teams ahead of them in the table–two each against top of the table Columbus Crew 2 and third place Philadelphia Union II, plus another match with fourth place NYCFC II–can RNY FC continue this upward momentum? Is it too early to talk about playoffs?
Yes, of course, as there are still four months of action in the league. But hey, you have to Believe Impossible. It is not just a slogan: it is a way of life.
NEXT MATCHES
Rochester v Philadelphia Union 2, Saturday, May 21, 6 p.m. EDT (11 p.m. EDT), Monroe CC.
Orlando City 2 v Inter Miami CF II, Saturday, May 21, 6 p.m. EDT.
