The Riverina Rhinos have fallen to their second defeat to start the season after a 4-0 loss to Belconnen United at McKellar Park on Saturday afternoon.
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The Rhinos started the brighter of the two sides and looked like they would be the team to take the lead.
Joe Preece and Mitch Bagiante looked dangerous with long balls aimed to get Bagiante in behind the defence being hit slightly too hard while the best chance of the open 25 minutes fell to the boot of Preece who spotted the Belconnen keeper of his line however the ball narrowly sailed wide of the top corner.
Belconnen took advantage of the visiting side's struggles in the final third with Daniel Sparrow and Adrian Macor finding the back of the net within the space of five minutes to give the Blue Devils a 2-0 lead.
The Rhinos looked to have pulled one back on the brink of halftime with a long ball from Luke Pandolfo finding Preece however the goal was ruled out with the Rhinos skipper judged to be in an offside position to see Belconnen hold the 2-0 lead into the break.
The offside flag ended another chance for the Rhinos just after halftime while Preece went for goal from a long-range free-kick only to see the ball sail just over the bar.
Belconnen extend their lead in the 57th minutes with Michael Taurasi found open at the top of the box, and he made no mistake.
George Pavese had a great chance three minutes later after beating the keeper to the ball however his shot flew wide of the open goal.
Belconnen wrapped up the 4-0 win with Dustin Wells scoring from the spot.
