In a press release from NISA released today, “Flower City Union and Syracuse Pulse have agreed to a unique merger entering the 2023 season. The merged organizations will have one centralized front office and will host matches in both the Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y. markets.” The move was one of the worst kept secrets in lower league soccer, but, until today, had yet to be confirmed by the league or either club.

According to the league’s press release, it will truly be an interesting merger as “matches played in Rochester will be under the Flower City Union banner while the club will introduce the Salt City Union brand for matches played in the Syracuse community.” The move is apparently not permanent, but there is no timetable for when the agreement will end.

Jimmy Paola, part of the ownership group of Flower City is quoted in the press release. “Continuing to grow in our respective communities is an important component to this merger. We’re committed to growing our community partnerships, fan and supporter connections in each of our beautiful cities." How many games will be played in each location has yet to be determined as the 2023 NISA schedule is still not finalized.

- Dan Vaughn