ROCHESTER, N.Y. – When the Rochester Rhinos kick off their 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign on Wednesday night, it will be a familiar foe visiting Capelli Sport Stadium for midfielder Christiano Francois as his former club FC Motown visits upstate New York for the Second Round clash.

A new signing for the Rhinos this season, Francois competed for FC Motown last year. When the club from the Garden State Soccer League advanced the face the Rhinos last week, defeating New Jersey Copa FC 2-1 in the First Round, the excitement level for the 23-year-old began to rise.

“I still speak with some of my former teammates, the coach, and the owner almost every day,” said Francois. “We're very excited to play against one another.”

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The Rhinos, of course, bring their own rich history to the tournament. The last non-MLS side to lift the Open Cup in 1999, Rochester has had a stellar record over the years. Coming off a 4-0 victory against the Charlotte Independence in their last league outing, the Rhinos will be looking to continue their 15-0-0 all-time record against lower league opposition.

Should the Rhinos advance, they would remain at home for the Third Round, too. The winner of the clash between GPS Omens (Mass.) and Boston City FC would visit Capelli Sport Stadium on May 31, with the prize for the winner of that contest a meeting with a club from Major League Soccer.