Lancers Announce Wall of Fame Inductees
Published on December 10, 2014 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Rochester Lancers News Release
(Rochester, NY) - The Rochester Lancers today announced the 2014-15 Wall of Fame inductees. This year's class will be inducted on Saturday, December 27 prior to the Lancers 1pm kickoff at the Blue Cross Arena.
The four members of this year's induction will join 24 current inductees. The 2014-15 recipients include three former Lancers players and one broadcaster. Former players include Lancers forward Dave Sarachan, midfielder Eli Durante, and defender Peter Short. Joining them will be former Lancers play-by-play announcer Rich Funke.
Sarachan, who graduated from Brighton High School, played two seasons with the Lancers in 1976-77 before moving to professional indoor soccer. He played for the Buffalo Stallions, Pittsburgh Spirit, Baltimore Blast, and Kansas City Comets. He tallied 46 goals in 86 total indoor games. He is now a three-time MLS Cup Champion as Associate Head Coach with Bruce Arena of the LA Galaxy, and has just completed his most current championship this season.
Forming one-third of the "Three Musketeers" that included inaugural Wall of Fame members Frank Odoi and Francisco Escos, Eli Durante secured the midfield for the team from 1971-75. The Brazilian played in 90 matches for the Lancers, accumulating five goals and 15 assists.
Peter Short, of Liverpool England, joined the Lancers in 1970 and anchored a strong defensive backline for the Lancers. He spent four seasons with the team from 1970-73 and earned NASL First Team All-Star honors in 1971 and 1972. His tireless work ethic was a big key to the team winning their only NASL title in team history. A 1970 NASL Championship banner hangs from the ceiling of every Lancers home game in honor of that year's team. Short passed away in 1984 at the age of 39.
Rounding out the 2014-15 Wall of Fame inductees, is Batavia native Rich Funke. Funke is one of the longest-serving members of the Rochester media who covered the Lancers throughout the NASL years. He was the play-by-play announcer for the Lancers on local television during the late 70's, including the August 1977 playoff match at Giants Stadium against the New York Cosmos, in front of 77,000 fans. He now serves as a New York State Senator.
The Rochester Lancers Wall of Fame honors the pioneers of professional soccer in Rochester that were part of the original Rochester Lancers of the American Soccer League (1967-69) and the North American Soccer League (1970-80). The Wall of Fame is located at the Blue Cross Arena in downtown Rochester. For tickets to attend the Wall of Fame ceremony, call (585) 872-5425 or visit www.RLancers.com.
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