It was the Rhinos' second-consecutive year in the third tier of American soccer, playing in the USL Professional Division for their second season.

After the split of several USL clubs to create the North American Soccer League, United Soccer Leagues restructured its top division, and created the USL Pro, which received third-tier sanctioning from U.S. Soccer.

For the third straight season, however, Rochester was eliminated in the first round of the respective league's playoffs.

Outside of the USL Pro Division, the Rhinos were eliminated in the third round of the 2012 U.S. Open Cup by the MLS side Philadelphia Union.

[1] The Rhinos also played a School Day friendly against NPSL team FC Buffalo.