Crystal Palace Baltimore lost their penultimate pre-season exhibition match to a late goal by USL1's Rochester Rhinos. Challenging weather conditions prevented either team from creating many quality goal-scoring opportunities.

Several hundred defiant souls braved the steady 25-50mph winds to witness an impressive defensive performance by Palace against a skillful and tenacious Rochester outfit. Both sides did their best to keep the ball on the floor, but even that proved a stiff test - the ball rarely stayed in place for goal kicks, corners or free kicks.

Rochester won the possession battle, but the USL1 side rarely threatened inside the final third thanks to the combined efforts of Palace's midfield and back four. Jordan Seabrook was the biggest threat for Palace, forcing the Rhinos defense and 'keeper into a pair of excellent last-gasp stops.

But Rochester were the ones to finally break the deadlock in the 86th minute as former Harrisburg player Ryan Heins struck a 30-yard effort which swerved in the wind, evading the reach of Brian Rowland in the Palace net.

Palace's scoring capabilities will soon reach full capacity as a trio of strikers return to the fray. New signing John Barry Nusum has just joined the squad, but wasn't available for the Rochester fixture. Pat Healey will rejoin his teammates after the Baltimore Blast finish their season next weekend, and Larry Mark is continuing his recovery from an earlier injury.

Palace's final pre-season match is the DeOrsey Maryland Cup clash with local USL2 rivals, Real Maryland, at UMBC Stadium on Friday April 10, 7:30pm. Proceeds from the match will benefit the Abilities Network which focuses on helping those with epilepsy.

 

Crystal Palace USA's season begins on April 17th at home to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. For a full fixture list click here.