By Ben Nicholson
January 6 – The United Soccer League (USL) has terminated the Adirondack Sport’s Club’s ownership of Rochester Rhinos FC for failing to meet league standards. Issues about external and internal operational issues over the past several months led to the decision.
The USL stated: “In recent days the current ownership stated they were not committed to rectify these issues, and with the long-term operation of the franchise in mind, the league made the decision to step in.”
The announcement came shortly after the city of Rochester informed the club that their lease on their home stadium would be terminated.
There is bad blood between the club and the city, as in March the city sued the club for past due rent and other fees amounting to $140.525, which dated back to January, 2013.
The league itself is now in control of the team, and are working with city officials and stakeholders to ensure the long-term success of the club.
USL’s Chief of Marketing Tom Veit said: “On behalf of the USL, I am going to take every step possible to maintain the Rhinos’ position in Rochester’s sporting landscape. The Rhinos are open for business, and looking forward to defending their USL Championship in 2016.”
The league also affirmed its commitment to keep the club in Rochester due to belief in the market there. They are reportedly already in talks with potential suitors.
The team ought not to be a tough sell given their on-field record. The Rhinos are one of the most decorated clubs in the league, and won the 2015 season in the USL’s Eastern Conference by a substantial thirteen points.
Downsides do exist though in that the artificial turf that the club was using was in poor condition, the stadium needs investment, and support has been waning.
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