Roc City Boom ready to explode on to Major Arena Soccer League 3 Scene

TAMPA, Florida – When Roc City Boom takes to the Major Arena Soccer League 3 field this winter, fans in Rochester, N.Y. won't need a roster to know most of the players.

That's because many indoor soccer veterans – most of whom played for the Rochester Lancers in MASL 2 last season – will make up the Roc City roster. The Lancers, one of the most iconic soccer brands in the country, are currently inactive because they have been unable to find a suitable arena for MASL 2.

The Roc City ownership group is the one that brought the Rochester River Dogz to the NPSL in 2016, recognizing that there was a gap in Rochester soccer between the professional ranks and lower level amateur soccer. Their crowning achievement on the field was qualifying for the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, becoming the first amateur team from Rochester to qualify for the Cup in over 45 years. They also claimed three UPSL WNY Division titles in recent summers as well. Most recently, they advance to the NISA National Final four as a division winner as well. 

Their name pays homage to the city being known as one of the western frontier's original “boomtowns” because of its proximity to the Erie Canal which opened in 1825. By 1850, Rochester was the 21st largest city in the United States.

Owner Marc Mandell said so many of the Lancers will suit up this winter for the Boom for two reasons: unfinished business after advancing to the MASL 2 championship game last spring, and the fact many of the same players dressed outdoors for Roc City this past summer.

“Just about everyone felt that there was unfinished business indoors, so we want to run it back and see how far we can take it this season,” Mandell said. “We're excited to put this group together indoors and see what they can do one more time.”

Leading the list of former Lancers is Jake Schindler, a defender and veteran of 206 Major Arena Soccer League games with the Lancers, Syracuse Silver Knights, Utica City FC, Florida Tropics and Baltimore Blast. He served as the Lancers player coach last season – Rochester recorded the fifth perfect regular season in M2 history – scoring four goals and adding 18 assists.

Also expected to return are Taner Bay (20 goals, seven assists last year), Alex Harling (8G, 12A), Matt D'Amico (14G, 5A) and netminder Jakeb Mitchell who set a league record with his 3.52 goals against average. He was third in saves percentage (.741) and recorded eight wins.

“Rochester is such a unique and tremendous city for indoor soccer. It's been tough without the right sized arena there, but I know all the people involved in the sport in recent years are still working towards a resolution of that,” Commissioner Chris Economides said. “The Boom are a great addition to the league this year and we know they will carry on the tradition of excellence in indoor soccer in that market; and we know right off the bat they will be one of the teams to beat in the East.”

MASL 3 teams will play a 10-game regular season schedule from late November to March, with playoffs to follow. Roc City opens its season Saturday, January 11 at home against the Cleveland Samba. The Boom will play at the Rochester Sports Garden.