Rochester Lancers (MASL)
| File:Rochester Lancers 2011 logo.png | |||
| Founded | 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolved | 2015 | ||
| Ground | Blue Cross Arena | ||
| Capacity | 11,200 | ||
| CEO | Salvatore Fantauzzo | ||
| Head Coach | Doug Miller | ||
| League | Major Arena Soccer League | ||
| 2014–15 | 3rd, Eastern Division Playoffs: Division final | ||
| Website | Club website | ||
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| |||
The Rochester Lancers were an indoor soccer team in the Major Arena Soccer League. The team is named in honor of the Rochester Lancers of the North American Soccer League. The team was active from November 2011 through February 2015. In July 2015, the team cited a sharp increase in the cost of insurance to more than double the team's payroll costs and announced the end of the franchise.[1]
History
Following a merger of the I-League and the third Major Indoor Soccer League, the Lancers played their first game in Syracuse on November 4, 2011, against the Syracuse Silver Knights. Led by team captain and former Rochester Rhinos forward Doug Miller, the first game in the team's history ended in a 16–15 loss and the top scorer was Lubo Kocic who scored 4 goals for the Lancers.
The Lancers finished 2nd in the Eastern Division in 2011, qualifying for the playoffs.[2] During the 2011–12 season they, offered a surprise contract to former 76ers player Allen Iverson.[3]
The Lancers announced new head coach Josh Rife on September 13, 2013.[4][5]
After the 2013–2014 season, the team announced that it was leaving the MISL along with five other teams and join the PASL, later renamed the MASL.[6]
On August 2, 2014, team founder and CEO Salvatore Fantauzzo announced that the Lancers would not be playing in the 2014–15 season.[7] Team captain (and Rochester Rhinos legend) Doug Miller intervened and offered to take over management of the team in order to permit the team to preserve its season. Miller later was named coach of the team, though he would continue to play.
Year-by-year results
| Year | League | Logo | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Avg. attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | MISL | 2nd Eastern Division, 11–13 | Lost Division Finals | 5,675 | |
| 2012–13 | MISL | 5th MISL, 10–16 | Did Not Qualify | 5,975 | |
| 2013–14 | MISL | 5th MISL, 6–14 | Did Not Qualify | 7,347 | |
| 2014–15 | MASL | 3rd Eastern Division, 10–10 | Lost Division Finals | 6,539 | |
| Total | 37–53 | 2–4 | 6,359 | ||
Head coaches
Bill Andracki (2011–12)- Jim Hesch (2012–13)
- Josh Rife (2013–14)
- Doug Miller (2014–15)
References
- ^ Sharp, Brian (July 6, 2015). "Citing insurance cost, Lancers call it quits". Democrat and Chronicle. Rochester, NY: Gannett. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
- ^ "Lancers Clinch Final Playoff Berth". United Soccer Leagues. February 23, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
- ^ "Former NBA star Allen Iverson gets pro soccer contract offer". The Globe and Mail. 20 February 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ "Rife Named Coach Of Lancers". MISL. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
- ^ "LANCERS ANNOUNCE NEW HEAD COACH". Rochester Lancers. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
- ^ http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2014-04-14/sports/bal-baltimore-blast-joining-with-other-teams-to-form-new-indoor-soccer-league-20140414_1_new-league-misl-baltimore-blast
- ^ "To My Rochester Lancers Family". Rochester Lancers. 2 August 2014.