RHINOS ARCHIVE

The promised improvements never came in 2016, and the cracks began to show in 2017. Behind the scenes, the Dworkins were beginning to see the reality of owning a minor-league soccer team, and the politics which led to waning attendance. Statements in later years from former employees made it clear the Dworkins almost pulled the plug prior to the season beginning. Attendance suffered greatly with the season low having less than 1000 fans show up to watch Bethlem Steel. 

 

Only 7 players returned from the previous year's team, but they managed Lilley ball to perfection with 23 of their games either being a tie or decided by one goal. The standout player was Jochen Graf, a never say die striker from Texas who scored 17 goals, nearly half of the team's total that year. Another close loss to the eventual championship winners against Louisville meant the end of their season.

 

Unfortunately, the excitement around USL returning as a 2nd division league also meant costs went up, and on November 15th the Dworkins stated they needed $1.3 million by the end of the month to continue in 2018. This did not come to pass, and the hiatus began.