An open letter to soccer supporters from NASL.com

The purpose of this letter is to explain our story, how we arrived at this point and what our goals are for 2010 and beyond.

It is a clear fact that soccer continues its explosion in North America with record levels of youth participation and growing interest, all while professional teams are building successful traditions in every region of the continent. The owners of the NASL recognize this opportunity and have come together for the good of the game.

Click on READ MORE for the rest of the letter.

As the story broke here in RhinosZone.com, an hour later the rumor became a reality.

ROCHESTER RHINOS JOIN NEW NASL
(Rochester, NY)… The Rochester Rhinos today announced they have officially joined the North American Soccer League (NASL).
“We evaluated the situation very carefully and decided that the best decision for the future of the Rhinos and soccer in Rochester was for us to join the new NASL,” said Rhinos CEO Rob Clark. “Soccer is maturing before our very eyes. We are joining a family of team owners who are committed to investing in our league and their teams to further the development of players and support the future growth of the sport in North America. The NASL is a new beginning for soccer in Rochester.”
The addition of Rochester brings the NASL to ten teams, including the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC Blues, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, St. Louis United, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps.
“I’m looking forward to working with my fellow owners in the coming weeks to hire a Commissioner, create a 2010 schedule and finalize league marketing initiatives,” concluded Clark.
The NASL has applied for USSF Division II status and expects to start its first season as a Division II professional soccer league in April 2010.

Rochester's own The Soccer Shack has been nominated for best soccer specialty store in the Best of US Soccer 2009 awards. Let's do our best to help Megan and Eric bring home the honors to our fair city! You can vote once a day by going to www.ussoccer.com and voting goes to December 13th.

On Behalf of RhinosZone.com i'd like to thank and congratulation Megan and Eric on this great honor. Megan and Eric have done their part in making the Soccer Shack the place for a complete selection of soccer equipment. From shoes and balls to referee and field supplies and much much more. Let's give them a helping hand by voting once a day to insure that The Soccer Shack and the city of Rochester wins this award of the Best Soccer Specialty Store in the United States!

As of now through to the end of March, Soccer is a Kick in the Grass moves to Sundays at 12 noon on WYSL 1040 AM, radio-soccer.com, wysl1040.com and soccerisakickinth.... Join Joe "Red Card" Sirianni, “Mr. Zero” Dick Howard and myself as we broadcast North America's longest running soccer radio show year round!

On each show, hosts Joe "Red Card" Sirianni, Andrew Battisti and "Mr. Zero" Dick Howard discuss the world of soccer, from the Rochester Rhinos to MLS to the world's game and welcome both local and national guests to the airwaves.

Soccer Is a Kick in the Grass can be heard live and via podcast on the web at radio-soccer.com and www.soccerisakick...egrass.com. We invite everyone to listen in and enjoy the show!

The Barclays Premier Fantasy League is back and a Rochester Rhinos FC league has been set up. To join simply follow the simple instructions at Fantasy Premier League

After you complete your dream team, click on Join Private League and enter the following code into the box: 309870-136092

If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask in the Fantasy Premier League thread here on RhinosZone.com

The first game week is August 15th, thank you and good luck.

RhinosZone.com would like to thank Sofla Kicker for setting up this years EPL's Fantasy League.

The Rochester Rhinos are offering soccer fans the opportunity to be at the Maryland SoccerPlex on Tuesday, July 21st when the Rhinos face DC United through this Bus/Ticket package deal. Bus transportation leaves from Marina Auto Stadium on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am and returns back to Rochester 45 minutes after the final whistle.

This $70 package includes round trip transportation and a game ticket to the US Open Cup semifinals match. To reserve your seat contact the Rhinos ticket office at (585) 454-KICK (5425) or download the order from the link below.

There are two buses to choose from: Rhinos Fan Bus or the Stampede Supporters Bus. (Bus transportation is contingent on reaching a minimum of 90% capacity.)

Order Form:

http://www.rhinossoccer.com/documents/us_open_cup_bus_trip_order_form.pdf

It's been announced on RhinosZone.com that a soccer tournament will be held on June 6th, 2009 in memory of Jeremy Sangster, a friend of a member of our community here on RhinosZone.com that tragically passed away on October 11th, 2008. Jeremy was 26

There is an early registration fee of $250 per team if signed up before May 1st and a $350 fee per team if signed up between May 1st and June 1st. The tournament is open for anyone 18 and over, it's a 5 v. 5 plus goalies and you're guaranteed a minimum 3 games per team. Each match is 30min long. This event has been voluntarily coordinated by a handful of Jeremy’s friends, with all proceeds contributing to the creation of a Bloomfield High School scholarship in Jeremy’s honor. The event is open for all to attend... please feel free to swing by and join in the fun!

When: Saturday, June 6th, 2009 (rain date Sunday, June 7th, 2009)

Where: Levi Corser Memorial Park, Bristol, New York (map)

What: Soccer tournament, live bands, raffle, and barbecue!

For more information about Jeremy and the tournament

please visit http://www.jeremy22.com/tournament.html