Fon Rhions web site: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 30, 2009 ROCHESTER RHINOS JOIN NEW NASL (Rochester, NY)… The Rochester Rhinos today announced they have officially joined the North American Soccer League (NASL). “We evaluated the situation very carefully and decided that the best decision for the future of the Rhinos and soccer in Rochester was for us to join the new NASL,” said Rhinos CEO Rob Clark. “Soccer is maturing before our very eyes. We are joining a family of team owners who are committed to investing in our league and their teams to further the development of players and support the future growth of the sport in North America. The NASL is a new beginning for soccer in Rochester.” The addition of Rochester brings the NASL to ten teams, including the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC Blues, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, St. Louis United, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps. “I’m looking forward to working with my fellow owners in the coming weeks to hire a Commissioner, create a 2010 schedule and finalize league marketing initiatives,” concluded Clark. The NASL has applied for USSF Division II status and expects to start its first season as a Division II professional soccer league in April 2010.
Is this really a surprise to anyone. USL-1 is clearly dead in the water an Rochester really have no better option now. I am glad to see that the majority of the clubs are sticking with one league, which is now NASL. It will be better for the players development as they will be able to play against a higher level of competition, instead of the 3-6 teams struggling to stay alive in USL-1. Rochester, if they had stayed in USL, would have probably been stuck playing a bunch of D3 (USL-2) teams just to fill out there schedule, if the two divisions did not just merge together which would be a joke. Rochester was the last gem belonging to the USL. I think we can now say goodbye to the current USL for good.
I agree with you for the most part. Although being an old Pittsburgh fan I wouldn't call them a "Gem"
We're going to stick with Rhinos. We might have a throw back night or two where we would wear Lancers kits.
Puerto Rico can always stick to the USL-1 and play imaginary matches against teams that don't exist like FC New York.
Hate to say it but if were running the NASL, I wouldn't want them. Travel expenses and all that. Nothing against the team.
I truly hope you are right and NASL is run properly. It would be great to finally have a legitimate 2nd division. I honestly have hardly followed anything USL, except for the local Pioneers, for a couple of years now just because of the instability. Even in the minor leagues, you need regional and consistent opponents who you can develop rivalries with in order to form a strong fan base. When you as a fan see's your clubs schedule and realize that the team you hated most from last year and always looked forward to playing is gone, and some random new team from a far away market is in, you lose interest. The only reason I even follow the Pioneers is because they have a beautiful little stadium for D3 with a good fan base and a tremendous atmosphere. It's a great night out if you love soccer. From what I have heard from visiting supporters is that they always think we have the best club in D3.