USL Rochester Rhinos

Rhinos Host Western Mass. Pioneers in US Open Cup

May 12, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Rochester Rhinos News Release


On May 14th, the Rochester Rhinos will play host to the Western Mass. Pioneers, of the PDL, for some 2nd round action. Rochester, who is the only non-MLS team to win the US Open Cup since the MLS began play in 1996, is an astounding 29-14-5 in this tournament. Last year, the Rhinos were forced to play their MLS affiliate, the New England Revolution, who eventually put an end to their run in the 2013 US Open Cup.

All tickets for this game are $5.00 with the gates opening up at 6:30pm. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm and fans 21+ can enjoy draft beers at the beer truck for $2.00 all game long. Parking in the Broad St. lot will be reduced to $2.00 for this game as well. If you are a season ticket holder, use the last ticket in the package listed as "TBD."

The Rhinos are currently 2-1-4 in this early part of the 2014 USL PRO season and are coming off a draw against the defending champions, Orlando City. The Rhinos have only conceded six goals all year and only one at home. The Rhinos currently sit in a four-way tie for 4th place in the league.

In its 101st year, the 2014 US Open Cup, has many new features. The US Soccer Federation has revealed that this year's tournament will have the largest number of teams competing, an extra round, and weekend gameday. Being in its 101st year makes the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup the world's second-oldest continually- running completion.

With an increase of the number of Division IV amateur teams, from 34 to 42, and the new professional teams bringing the total number of teams to 80. This is the most the tournament has had in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present). Because of the large field, the federation has added another round to the tournament. This year, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will feature eight rounds with the champion gaining entry into the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League.

Furthermore, because of this addition of a new round, Major League Soccer will now begin play in Round 4; rather than the third round MLS is accustomed to enter in since 2002. As a result of all of the aforementioned changes, the fourth round has a potential to hold a weekend date (June 10-18) for the first time in the Modern Professional Era due to the league's break for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Finally, there will be a record number of matches, 24, being played in the second round.

Again, tickets are only $5.00 for the US Open Cup match this Wednesday, May 14th, and fans 21+ can enjoy $2.00 drafts all game. We would like to thank Wright Distributing, Hillside Family of Agencies, Pepsi, Faber Homes, and Dunkin' Donuts for sponsoring this US Open Cup match.

Tickets for any match on the Rhinos home schedule will be available byby calling (585)454-KICK (5425), by visiting the MVP Health Care Box Office at Sahlen's Stadium, or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Rochester Rhinos season tickets, flex packages and group ticket sales are also currently available.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 12, 2014


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