Salvatore “SoccerSam” Fantauzzo: “I know Mark Washo and I wish him the best!” (Photo courtesy of the Rochester Lancers)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
After Thursday afternoon’s announcement of the Rochester group’s application to the National Independent Soccer Association, Rochester Lancers owner Salvatore “SoccerSam” Fantauzzo wished the new team’s managing director and Chief Commercial Officer good luck.
“I don’t know much about NISA, so many new soccer leagues I can’t keep up,” Fantauzzo said in a statement. “I know Mark Washo and I wish him the best!”
Washo might be known to Rochester soccer fans as he was former Chief Business Officer of the Rochester Rhinos and Marina Auto Stadium from 2016-19, was named as managing director and Chief Commercial Officer.
Fantauzzo said the Lancers’ indoor and outdoor teams will continue to play in their respective leagues after the COVID-19 pandemic clears up.
“The Lancers pro indoor team and our NPSL and UWS teams will continue when COVID clears,” he said.
Rochester competes in the Major Arena Soccer League, which had its 2019-20 cut short because of the pandemic. The Lancers and the league hope to start their 2020-21 campaign in late December or January. The Lancers men play in the National Premier Soccer League and the Lady Lancers perform in United Women’s Soccer.
“I’m a huge fan of the three Rhinos ownership groups that invested millions in our community and the original Lancers and Flash owners that pioneered the game in our city and this country,” Fantauzzo added. “In 2011 another group of great Lancers owners invested into this great game. I hope someday, somehow, someone benefits from all time, money and dedication the six prior groups invested into the game and our great city!”
