Toronto FC II fell to Eastern Conference leader Rochester Rhinos 1-0 at Sahlen’s Stadium on Saturday.

Rochester’s second half stoppage time goal by substitute Steevan “Duba” Humberto Fortes Dos Santos sealed the win for the Rhinos and keeps them at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, as TFC II falls to a record of 1-4-1.

In the 92nd minute, two minutes after TFC II forward Mo Babouli received marching orders for his second yellow of the match, Rhinos midfielder Kenardo Forbes found space on the right flank and was able to whip in a well-paced cross that was met by a header from Rhinos forward Duba that beat TFC II goalkeeper Alex Bono.

Storm Delay

The match between Your Reds and the Rochester Rhinos was delayed for about an hour as lightning rolled into Sahlen’s Stadium at the 40th minute mark.

TFC II goalkeeper Alex Bono was tested almost immediately following the long weather delay. In the 42nd minute Rhinos forward Colin Rolfe found space behind TFC II’s back four and was in alone against Bono. Bono rushed from his line, stood tall, and was able to get a hand on the chip attempt by Rolfe.

TFC II looked to produce more offensive opportunities following the weather delay. Forwards Mo Babouli and Jordan Hamilton connected on a few occasions, most notably in the 48th minute when Hamilton beat the Rhinos’ offside trap on a Babouli through ball. Unfortunately a wet pitch saw Hamilton lose the ball at his feet as he tried to round the Rhinos goalkeeper Brandon Miller who was able to collect.

The Rhinos followed up with an opportunity of their own as they hit the post in the 49th minute. Fortunately TFC II goalkeeper Alex Bono was able to recover the rebound and eliminate the pressure.

Disciplinary Issues

For the third time in as many games, TFC II finished the match with 10 men. TFC II forward Babouli received a yellow card in the 88th minute for a mistimed tackle. Two minutes later, Babouli received his second yellow card, which left Your Reds down a man for the remainder of the match. The Rhinos were able to take advantage of the extra man, scoring the game-winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time of the second half.

Defensive Improvement

This match saw TFC II improve their defensive game immensely since their 5-1 loss two weeks ago at the hands of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Coach Jason Bent spoke to media about working on defensive responsibilities and team shape during their bye week and it showed. The team played a defensively sound match, giving up very few chances against a talented Rochester squad.

Catch Toronto FC II’s next match against Saint Louis FC on Thursday, May 14th at 8:00PM ET. Follow along on Twitter@TorontoFCII using the hashtag #TFCLive and watch the action via livestream at torontofc.ca/live.

Scoring Summary
RCH – Steevan "Duba" Humberto Fortes dos Santos 90’+2’
Misconduct Summary
TFC II – Raheem Edwards 49’ (caution)
RCH – Grant Van De Casteele 58’ (caution)
TFC II – Mo Babouli 88’ (caution)
TFC II – Mo Babouli 90’ (caution) (ejection)
Records:
Toronto FC II: 1-4-1 4pts.
Rochester Rhinos: 6-0-2 20pts.

Lineups
Toronto FC II – Alex Bono; Wesley Charpie, Adam Bouchard, Skylar Thomas, Mark Anthony Kaye; Marcos Nunes (Massimo Mirabelli 57’), Jay Chapman, Chris Mannella ©, Raheem Edwards (Luca Uccello 72’); Mo Babouli, Jordan Hamilton (Edwin Rivas 69’)
Substitutes Not Used: Brogan Engbers, Manuel Aparicio, Daniel Fabrizi, Anthony Osorio

Rochester Rhinos – Brandon Miller; Onua Thomas Obasi, Vassilios Apostolopoulos, Grant Van De Casteele (Julian Ringhof 61’), Pat McMahon; Jonny Mendoza, Mike Garzi (Tyler Rudy 63’), Tony Walls, Kenardo Forbes; Christian Volesky (Marcos Ugarte 76’), Colin Rolfe (Steevan "Duba" Humberto Fortes dos Santos 76’)
Substitutes Not Used: Adam Grinwis, Sean Totsch, Christian Silva