It took an extra hour to kick off the game due to lightning, but it was well worth the wait. The Rochester Rhinos of the USL First Division defeated Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew 5-3 on penalty kicks, after a 1-1 draw in regulation.

Crew keeper Andy Gruenebaum was tested early and often as the Rhinos bombarded him with shots in the first half. In the 32nd minute, Rochester would finally break through as Ty Harden, on a month-long loan from the Colorado Rapids, received a cross from Johnny Menyongar and put home the opening goal of the match. Just 5 minutes later, Columbus would respond. Veteran and New Zealand native Duncan Oughton put in a volley through two defenders and Rhinos keeper Tim Melia to tie the game at 1.

In the 55th minute, the Rhinos got a huge break as Ryan Heins was fouled in the box, earning a penalty kick for Rochester. Andrew Gregor took the kick, but Gruenebaum was up to the task and made the crucial save for Columbus. Regulation, and then the ensuing extra time periods, would end with the score tied 1-1.

Rochester would make their first three penalty kicks, but then the Crew’s third wouldn’t end so well. Duncan Oughton’s shot was deflected, then recovered on the rebound, by Melia. Ryan Heins would go on to put home the winning goal for the Rhinos, who now move on to host the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division in the Quarterfinals.