SOME FAMOUS LAST: From the original Rochester Lancers

Branko Segota scored the last goal for the original Lancers team in 1980. (Photo by Deborah M. Bernstein)

By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Publisher

Today marks the 44th anniversary of the Rochester Lancers’ final game in the inaugural North American Soccer League.

In the history of this team there have been several final victories:

Last game

Nobody knew it at the time, but it was a 5-0 loss to the Cosmos at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 24, 1980 in front of 40,383 spectators.

It was no contest as the home team hit the woodwork an incredible five times. Giorgio Chinaglia opened the attack with his 32nd goal of the season at 20:53.

“We could have scored a million and one goals,” Cosmos libero Franz Beckenbauer was quoted as saying in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

The Cosmos secured first place in the NASL playoffs, which they then won. Roberto Cabanas led the way with two goals and Rick Davis and JC Romero each added one goal. Midfielders Johan Neeskens and Vladislav Bogicevic each assisted on three goals.

“We could have really embarrassed ourselves tonight,” said Lancers right wing Pat Ercoli, the general manager of the Rochester Rhinos. “But we didn't do too badly. The Cosmos are a great team, a collection of superstars. We should be happy that it didn't turn out worse.”

An interesting side note: Vinnie Dinolfo, assistant public relations director for the Lancers, burned a Cosmos pennant in the press box.

Last home game

That was a 0-2 loss against the weaker Atlanta Chiefs (7:24) at Holleder Stadium on August 22, 1980. David Byrne and Keith Furphy scored the goals and Lou Cioffi made a shutout.

“We played poorly,” Lancers midfielder Gene Strenicer said. “I think we were better than them, but they played smart football. You can't win games without scoring goals.”

Last goal

That was Branko Segota's goal in a 3-2 loss to the Tulsa Roughnecks on August 17, 1980. Segota scored his 11th goal of the season with a 20-yard shot at 49:15 minutes. Defender Laszlo Harsanyi assisted on the goal (which would also be the last assist) that tied the game at Skelly Stadium at 2-2. The loss eliminated the Lancers from the playoff race.

Last victory

A 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Fury at Veteran's Stadium on August 13. Forward Mike Stojanovic broke a 1-1 tie with 2:35 left in the game, firing past goalie John Rigby.

Pat Ercoli gave Rochester a 1-0 lead after John Nusum won the ball at 22:36, before Dave MacWilliams equalized at 44:20. Goalkeeper Enzo DiPede made eight saves.

“We didn't do anything special,” said Lancers head coach Alex Perolli. “Was it a good game? No. With all due respect, you don't have a team here [in Philadelphia]What could poor Eddie [Firmani, Fury coach] to do with this team. We beat a team that didn't play.”

In 1981, there were rumors that The Fury would move to Montreal, which turned out to be true.

Last home goal

This goal was scored by midfielder Val Tuksa on August 7, 1980 in a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Aztecs. Tuksa converted a pass from Pablo Centrone in the 82nd minute, 26 minutes in. Ilija Ivkovic also provided an assist.

Last home win

This happened in a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Sockers on July 30, 1980. Mike Stojanovic scored two goals and Gene Strenicer one for the home team. Sockers coach Ron Newman called the Lancers (11-14) “the best team we've played on this road trip.”