FLORENCE — A losing season isn’t something that is common for the Francis Marion women’s soccer program.
The Patriots suffered only their second losing season in the 14-year history of the program last year when they went 6-12-1.
And first-year coach Joe Person hopes it doesn’t become a trend. FMU opens its season tonight at Campbell.
“That’s what our goal is and we expect,” Person said of a winning season. “I don’t think there is anyone on our schedule we can’t play with so that is a realistic goal.”
Person suceeds Marty Beall, who took the head coaching job at High Point. He spent last season as an assistant to men’s coach Kevin Varnado.
“It’s been a little overwhelming because I got in here so late and had to work on finishing recruiting and scheduling,” Person said. “But we are very excited and ready to get the season started.”
Senior midfielder Angela Salem heads the list of eight returning starters from last year’s team. Salem led FMU in points last year with three goals and seven assists.
Forwards Kylie Williams and Amanda Hill, who each scored five goals last season, are back.
Person also will get the addition of basketball player Jennifer Dyer, who averaged 10.5 points a game last year for the Patriots.
Dyer has only one semester left and tried out for the team in the spring.
“She has good athletic ability and has good upside,” Person said. “She definitely will help us.”
The only question mark for Person going into tonight’s opener is who will start in goal.
Emily Brandenburg and sophomore Casey Durham both return and Person said he will decide before the team leaves today who will start.
“It’s a tough decision to make,” Person “We got two quality, competitive keepers and both of them are going to help us
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