AT A GLANCE
FMU Lions (0-0-0) at. Ave Maria University Gyrenes (0-0-0)
When: September 5, 2020
Where: Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, FL. 
Kick-off: 7 p.m.
Last Meeting: Sep. 28, 2019, Win 3-2
Live Stream Video & Stats: https://thesundigitalnetwork.com/avemariagyrenes
 
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Florida Memorial University's men's soccer will look to kick off the 2020 season – and a new era – with a win against Ave Maria University on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Gyrenes' home field.
 
FMU head coach Connor Campbell, hired in December 2019, will coach his debut game in Lions' colors.
 
Last season, Florida Memorial finished 3-13 (2-7 Sun Conference) and had its only two conference wins against Ave Maria – knocking off the Gyrenes by a combined score of 7-4. 
 
While it wasn't the kind of season the Lions wanted, it did facilitate the hiring of Campbell. Since his first day on the job Campbell has worked to create a new culture and environment for his players to succeed.
 
Campbell and his team are prepared to surprise the league and make some waves this season despite the conditions they've faced this preseason. As Campbell mentioned on FMU Athletics Podcast, "In The Den", he didn't get much time with the team before winter break and the eventual pause of activities due to COVID-19; which resulted in many Zoom meetings before they were able to practice in person.
 
Once Campbell was able to get his squad back on the field, the main objective was to work on conditioning and try to build chemistry amongst a roster filled with mostly new Lions.
 
Among the new Lions that Campbell hopes will make a big impact this season is midfielder Nicholas Martinez. "Nico", a senior, made the Sun Conference's preseason "Players To Watch" list and has the skill to potential earn all-Conference honors at the end of the year.
 
In the Gyrenes, Florida Memorial will be facing a team that boasts 16 upper classmen and is looking to improve their own fortunes on the pitch.
 
With the season that "almost never was", finally ready to begin, the Lions are gearing up to continue their success against Ave Maria last season and open with a win.