ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Rhinos announced Thurday that they will take a one-year hiatus from play in the United Soccer League during the 2018 season.

This comes as the community rallied to generate increased support over the past two weeks, yet not to the extent needed. Significant gaps remain, including Capelli Sport Stadium’s exclusion from receiving a portion of the Hotel Occupancy Tax.

The club will remain in good standing with the USL throughout the 2018 season. As it looks to the future, the Rhinos will aim to build on recent momentum with local business leaders and fans to create stronger bonds.

“We want to sincerely thank our fans, sponsors, players, coaches and staff for their unwavering enthusiasm, and their attempts to rally others,” Rhinos co-owner David Dworkin said in a statement. “We will continue to work diligently with supporters, the regional business community and government leaders to solidify a foundation for sustained success, including placing Capelli Sport Stadium on equal footing with other facilities in Monroe County and the City of Rochester.”

Capelli Sport Stadium will host several USL regular-season contests during 2018, with the dates and match-ups to be announced upon release of the league schedule. In addition, the Junior Rhinos youth soccer program will continue throughout next year.

The stadium will also continue hosting events including concerts and festivals next year.

Fans who ordered 2018 Rhinos season tickets will have their purchases refunded in full beginning Tuesday, Dec. 5. Any fans who would prefer to have their deposits credited towards 2018 USL matches at Capelli Sport Stadium can contact the box office directly prior to Dec 5.

For additional questions and answers regarding Thursday’s announcement, visit RhinosSoccer.com.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.