Last season, Rochester defender Joe Farrell told media that he felt something extra in games against Bethlehem Steel, the USL reserve side for Philadelphia Union. Farrell is from the greater Philadelphia area and had a history with the Union organization. The center back scored both of Rochester’s goals in the 2016 home match against Bethlehem and many more Rhinos could have similar motivations when the teams meet to open the 2017 season.
Seven current Rochester Rhinos players, by my count, have a connection to the Philadelphia Union. One recent signing was drafted by the Union in 2015, a couple guys played for PDL affiliate Reading United, and a handful of players participated in the Union’s academy system.