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Rochester Rhinos fans support team in rally

Theodore Irwin is part of the Oak Street Brigade and spoke Thursday about his love for the Rhinos.
Tianna Mañón, WXXI News
Theodore Irwin is part of the Oak Street Brigade and spoke Thursday about his love for the Rhinos.

The Rochester Rhinos are on the edge. The soccer team that went undefeated just two years ago may not be around for 2018 if financial support goals aren't met.

On Thursday night, local fans and supporters rallied for the team at Capelli Sport Stadium. Fans shared favorite memories, encouraged support and spoke directly with owners Wendy and David Dworkin.

“For me, the idea of the Rhinos not being here really breaks my heart,” said Spencer Sherwood, a city resident and soccer fan. He says he sees Rochester and the Rhinos as almost interchangeable. “I’ve been coming to Rhinos games more than half my life because I’ve been coming to them for all 20 years.”

“We need to do more to support them,” he said, pushing for the media to give better coverage and owners to reach out to the community more.

But Wendy Dworkin said they try to do as much as they can but “there are only so many days in the season.” She said they’ve encouraged players to mentor local youth, created trading cards for the players and spoke at community events.

“David and I agreed to go on, try and do a mini-media tour at the very beginning of the season to introduce ourselves to the sportscasters and that actually proved to be effective. There’s only so many days in the season and we try to do our best,” she said.

The team needs $1.3 million to continue operating and right now, the owners aren’t close to meeting their goal. They’ve sold some season tickets and received modest donations but not enough to ensure the Rhinos a future.

“Nobody, no business, gets any money unless people buy their goods or get their support,” said Joe Siriani, a fan who encouraged people back their support with money. “Right now, we got Christmas coming. Why can’t every one of you buy a season ticket for your favorite person, or your kids or whatever you want to do?”

Theodore Irwin is part of the Oak Street Brigade, the Rhinos’ biggest fan club. He believes part of the issue is that the team is seen by some people as being more of a community soccer squad. (when the Rhinos are actually a professional team, part of the United Soccer League and have won five championships)

“Basically what we’re saying now, why you should come to games and support the Rhinos… it’s not a bush league team. It’s second class in the country,” Irwin said. “Very, very good soccer. I don’t know if that made any difference whatsoever. Hopefully this does.”

Wendy and David Dworkin are both hoping to see more support. David Dworkin has been particularly vocal about how the local hotel-motel tax is allotted. He argues that because Frontier Field receives part of this revenue, the Rhinos’ stadium should benefit as well. The tax is levied on every rented room in Rochester. That revenue then goes to local establishments like the Rochester Riverside Convention Center or Visit Rochester. 

“Anything is better than zero,” he said.

The two spent well over an hour listening to fans and answering questions and concerns.

“The greatest highlights of our two years has been the support from the fans and the support from those folks who come up to us every match,” said David Dworkin. “It’s those things that matter to us and we certainly appreciate it.”