A view from the Rochester Rhinos’ captain on the 2016 season, current off-season, and hopes for the 2017 season.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rhinos ended their 2016 season in the semi-finals for the USL Eastern conference with a devastating loss against the New York Red Bulls II. The Rhinos held a very strong game which led to a tie then a shootout. It was an accomplishment for the Rhinos to make it this far in the playoffs and without the leadership of their captain, Michael Garzi.
Garzi kicked off his third season with the Rhinos with the honor of being named captain. Since Garzi has been a part of the Rhinos he has seen a championship title in 2015.
After the Rhinos 2016 season ending, with a record of 13-5-12, Garzi has spent his off-season with his wife. The two were married during the Rhinos 2016 season.
“We tied the knot mid-way through the season which left us little time for a honeymoon,” said Garzi, “something we’re both excited for!”
Some time off during the holiday season Garzi plans on traveling back to Connecticut to visit family.
“It’s always so great seeing my big Italian family and eating delicious food,” Garzi speaking on the holidays at home.
During the off-season Garzi has finished his Masters of Business. He has been working on it for two years now. Also, he saw his first Buffalo Bills game; which he said was, “quite an experience.”
He is looking forward to the 2017 season. This will be his fourth season with the Rhinos.
“I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of this organization for such a long time now,” said Garzi on his experience with the team. “I want to continue on the path that this team has set for myself and all of the players since I’ve arrived. That’s always been competing for a championship and bringing high level soccer to the city.”
Garzi sees the upcoming 2017 season “as a big year for the club.” He and nine other players are returning in 2017. Coach Bob Lilley is returning with them as well.
“We’ve got a great core of guys coming back alongside a hall of fame coach,” said Garzi. “The sky is the limit, something I experienced firsthand in 2015, but my focus right now is just making sure I’m ready for preseason.”
Garzi, along with the whole team, is hoping for another championship in 2017. He is planning on building on the relationships he has now with the returning players and creating new ones with his new teammates joining for the 2017 season.
“You can’t win a championship in February or March, it takes time and building relationships with teammates,” he spoke on what it takes to achieve another championship title. “I can’t wait to start the journey again because each year brings new challenges and obstacles to overcome.”