May 20th- Home versus AFC Cleveland: Talk about starting your season with a bang. AFC Cleveland are the defending NPSL champions and will be looking to defend that title. Another huge factor is one of their star offensive players that Syracuse soccer fans know very well. Antonio Manfut, who recorded 21 goals and 9 assists with the Syracuse Silver Knights this season, will be a force to contend with for the Syracuse FC defense.
May 26th versus Rochester River Dogz: Is it any surprise that a Rochester team becomes an instant rival to a Syracuse team? No, not really. Is it a surprise the teams will meet each other very early in the season? Once again, no. Syracuse FC nabbed their coach, Matt Tantalo, from the River Dogz, so they might want to enact some revenge on the new franchise. Also, Syracuse soccer fans will be familiar with a lot of Rochester's roster. Jake Schindler and Stefanos Stamoulacatos played with the Silver Knights this past season. Gary Boughton and Tim Crawford are former Silver Knights and former Rochester Lancers. This is a lot of talent here that will make for some great matches for both Syracuse FC and Rochester.
June 11th at FC Buffalo: What is nice about the National Premier Soccer League is that their divisions feature clubs that are geographically close to each other. Syracuse FC will have two New York rivals that are just a quick ride down Interstate 90. The furthest of the two is FC Buffalo. FC Buffalo had a winning season last year, going 5-3-2 but failing to make the post season. Don't let that fact fool you. This team will be dangerous, especially when they are home. With their support group, The Situation Room, cranking up the noise, don't predict this match to be a piece of cake.
Now, we are still waiting for Syracuse FC to make roster signings or make any signings public. Signings will be the next major key into the formation of this new franchise. Though there are several rumors swirling with the Syracuse soccer community, nothing has been made official yet. Be sure to stay with The Fair Cuse Sports Report, where we will be sure to update you on any official signings and news made by Syracuse FC.