Saving soccer in Rochester

Time is ticking for the Rochester Rhinos.  The chance to play this season is in jeopardy because of the current ownership’s debts.  A local group is trying everything it can to save the team and season.

On Wednesday Afternoon, I sat down with Soccer Sam Fantauzzo and the group pf investors behind him.  There are five local investors trying to buy the Rochester Rhinos. Dom Vieira and Luis Ribeirio are brothers-in-law.  They run 20 Dunkin Donuts restaurants in the Rochester area.  Tony and John Gabriele are also brothers-in-law.  They own the Marina Dodge and Mitsubishi Dealerships in Webster.  The fifth investor is John Coraggioso.  He is President and CFO of Salvatore’s Pizza.

Here's some points on where the group stands in buying the Rhinos Soccer Team:

Soccer Sam and a group of five investors are in talks with the United Soccer League.

They plan to go to Tampa Bay Florida Friday to talk with the League Commissioner in person Friday.

They’ve written a proposal to the USL to get the rights to the Rochester Rhinos.

They are not dealing with NBT Bank whatsoever.

They refuse to pay any of the current Rhino’s ownership debts.

They’d like to keep the Rhino’s name and logo, however if that’s not feasible they’d become to the Rochester Lancers.
Sam Fantauzzo bought the rights to the Lancers name and logo.

Watch News 8 Now at 5 & 6 tonight for the full story.