FLORENCE, SC -- The Francis Marion University men’s soccer team will open its 2006 campaign with one of the youngest squads in the region, but with a roster that includes talent and an equal amount of promise.

The Patriots open their season Friday (Aug. 25) at 7 p.m. against Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C. The upcoming 2006 slate lists 18 matches, including eight home contests.

Patriot head coach Murray Hartzler enters his 13th year at FMU with six returning lettermen, five of whom started at some point last season, from last year’s 8-11-1 squad that advanced to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals. The Patriots faced nine nationally ranked opponents a year ago, producing a 2-6-1 mark.

Hartzler’s job will be to indoctrinate 15 newcomers, including 11 freshmen, into the collegiate game.

“Despite our youth, our talent level is improved over the last couple of seasons,” Hartzler explained. “This increased talent pool will give us more options this year. With all of our newcomers, a good start to the season would be a tremendous boost to team confidence.”

FMU returns its leading scorer, junior forward Jonathan Bartomioli. The 6-0 forward scored eight goals and assisted on seven others in 2005. No other returnee tallied more than two goals last season. Hartzler specifically pointed to BartomioIi as a key figure for 2006, adding that he would likely be joined along the frontline by freshmen. 

Hartzler must replace four-year starter Jonathan Runion in goal. Two redshirt freshman Nick Krywyj (Berea, Ohio) and Jeremy Crooks (South Florence High School) both return from last year, and true freshman Cory Ruge (Beaufort, S.C.) also joins the program.

“Coming into the preseason, the keeper position was one of our biggest question marks,” Hartzler said. “Nick has been outstanding this fall, exceeding all expectations, while Jeremy has also shown dramatic improvement. Entering our season opener, this position is now one of most solid spots.”

This year’s roster lists only one senior, and that is walk-on forward Thomas Kolbe. Bartomioli is one of only five juniors.

The newcomers include forwards William Awagu (Shreveport, La.), Kyle Becker (Westerville, Ohio), and Chris Adrian (Schaumburg, Ill.); midfielders Brandon McPherson (Florence, S.C.), Joey Pineo (Milledgeville, Ga.), Kyle Clinton (Safety Harbor, Fla.), and Jared Beauchamp (Marietta, Ga.); and backs Eric Ellender (Lafayette, La.), Alden Brooks (Gastonia, N.C.), Brad Riley (Pickerington, Ohio), Ryan Dhuet (Lafayette, La.), Adam Ingalls (Simpsonville, S.C.), and Mike Kropp (Rock Hill, S.C.).

Hartzler said, “In addition to ‘Barts’ at the forward spots, Kyle Becker has played well despite being hampered by an injury. He has a never-say-die attitude. William Awagu and Chris Adrian show great potential, and despite a steep learning curve, both have made great progress during the preseason.”

Junior Biagio Galle and sophomore Willie Hunt lead the returnees in the midfield. “Biagio will be another key to our success in 2006,” Hartzler added. Hunt tallied a pair of goals in his first season and Hartzler has “high hopes” for the sophomore from Greer.

Hartzler also pointed to Clinton, Beauchamp, and junior college transfer Joey Pineo as newcomers who will contribute immediately in the midfield. “Joey is possibly our most gifted player physically, while Kyle Clinton – with a good touch and great size – and Jared – with an intelligent game – must both adjust to the college game.”

In the back, junior Matt Gourie returns. “Matt is our anchor in the back. He will likely be joined by Kropp, a transfer from Spartanburg Methodist College; returnee David Lyman and newcomers Brooks, Dhuet and Ellender. Mike Kropp has been quick to pick up our system, and Brooks has quickly established himself along the backline, despite switching position since he arrived at Francis Marion.”

FMU has been picked to finish sixth according to the 2006 Peach Belt Conference preseason coaches’ poll, while Clayton State University was installed as the preseason favorite.

Hartzler owns a 129-94-12 record in his 12 years at FMU, and is the winningest coach in the program’s 31-year history. He has a combined career coaching record of 215-155-33 in 22 years.