Rhinos switch to Vallow in goal

DANESE KENON Scott Vallow, who lost his starting job in mid-August to Billy Andracki, was back in goal Saturday for the Rhinos. He made two saves, improving his season record to 12-6-1.

By Jeff DiVeronica
Democrat and Chronicle

(Sunday, September 30, 2001) -- After back-to-back losses in mid-August, Rhinos coach Pat Ercoli told goalie Scott Vallow he was going with a "gut feeling" and replacing him with veteran Billy Andracki.

Ercoli went with his gut again last night and replaced Andracki with Vallow in Rochester's 3-0 quarterfinal-clinching victory over Pittsburgh at Frontier Field.

In Wednesday's 2-1 loss at Pittsburgh, Andracki misplayed a bad pass back to him and it led to the tying goal.

"We thought we needed a change," Ercoli said. "I just felt it might have still been in the back of his head. I'm sure Billy could have put it behind him but I didn't want to risk it."

Andracki said he was disappointed he didn't start and that he had put Wednesday behind him. "We're professionals, that's what you do," he said.

Vallow (two saves) wasn't called upon much, but played solid. Last year's A-League Goalkeeper of the Year hadn't started since Aug. 19. He went 11-6-1 before being replaced by Andracki, who was unbeaten (4-0-2) before Wednesday.

"I think I took my situation here a little bit for granted earlier," Vallow said. "But I was ready and glad to help tonight."

Real assist: Defender Carlos Zavala has been known to find teammates for goals, and now he'll try to find people homes.

Zavala recently earned his real estate license and works for Nothnagle Realtors. He works out of the Gates office.

"When you're dealing for somebody else, you have to pretend it's you who's buying or selling the house," Zavala said. "You have to be honest."

He played indoor soccer for Buffalo but the team folded and he was picked up by Harrisburg (Pa.). He, wife Monica and son Jaedyn like Rochester and hoped to find a way financially to live here year round. She came up with his selling slogan: "I will assist you to achieve your goal!"

Thanks: Rhinos staffers Karen Gallagher (accounting manager) and Francie Andolino (ticket services coordinator) recently left the team for jobs with Casual Fridays and The Arthritis Foundation, respectively.