The penultimate example of success, the Raging Rhinos reached the league final in just their first season in the USL First Division in 1996, falling to defending champion Seattle. Two years later, the Rhinos began an incredible run of four straight championship games, winning the title in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

Rochester also claimed the 1999 US Open Cup Championship with a stunning four-game run against Major League Soccer opposition to become the only team since the inception of MLS to win the Open Cup trophy.

The club, which has never missed the postseason, has won the regular season title twice (1998, 1999).