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'Soccer Sam': Rhinos should rebrand themselves

rhinossoccer.com

One expert on the local soccer scene says it's disappointing that the Rochester Rhinos are moving to a lower division in the United Soccer League, and seeking a new venue out of downtown.

Owners David and Wendy Dworkin announced that this week.

Back in November of 2017 they said the team was taking a hiatus for the 2018 season due to financial issues.

"I would hope they would just rebrand.  I think they would have a better shot at making it if they rebranded and not come back as the Rhinos in division III," says Salvatore "Soccer Sam" Fantauzzo, owner of the Rochester Lancers.

Fantauzzo says he believes if the owners of the Rhinos can put a decent product on the field and draw two to three thousand fans a game, it will be a success.

But he says the team lost fans when it couldn't make the move up to Major League soccer, and will likely lose even more fans if it moves down from division II to division III of the United Soccer League.

Credit Alex Crichton
The Rhinos, practicing here in the spring of 2017, did not field a team this year.

"If you're going to go to division III, I'm not sure if that's ever going to get back the old fans.  I think if you put a decent product on the field, you have a great family night out like the Red Wings do, I think you're going to draw those two thousand fans a game no matter where you play.  But it's never ever going to be like it was at Frontier Field back in the late 90s and early 2000's.  Never going to happen," he said.

The Dworkins said they have identified several possible sites within Monroe County where a new multi-purpose stadium could be constructed, and they have shared their plans with county officials.

Monroe County spokesman Jess Sleezer issued this statement:

“Rhinos ownership recently informed the County that they are considering alternative locations within our region for a new stadium. That is the extent of the County’s involvement.”