By LMU Athletics

HARROGATE, Tenn. — The Railsplitters of Lincoln Memorial University look to start their season with a non-conference match at University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Ga. on Friday at 6 p.m.

STARTS WITH LEADERSHIP

First-year coach, Robert Spain comes to Lincoln Memorial after a two-year stint with the Major League Soccer (MLS) affiliated Columbus Crew, where he served as the head academy scout.

Before scouting, Spain spent the 2015 season as the assistant coach at Northern Illinois and helped the Huskies go from 3-9-5 the season before to 7-7-1. In his first coaching gig in 2014, Spain took over as the head coach at Division III University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, leading the Bobcats to a 12-7-1 mark. The season before he got there, Pittsburgh Greensburg went 3-16, making it one of the most prolific turnarounds in the history of Division III men’s soccer.

WHERE THE RAILSPLITTERS LEFT OFF

LMU finished the season with an 8-4-4 record, posting a 5-2-3 record in conference play. The Railsplitters concluded their regular season with a four-game undefeated streak leading into the postseason, where they saw their season come to an end in the SAC quarterfinal contest.

NEW ADDITIONS AND KEY RETURNERS

Spain and his assistants collected 15 new members this season for the Railsplitters, which is remarkable because it’s such a great factor to growth of the program with great diversity. “We know that good players want to play with other good players, no matter their background or where they’re from,” has been the mindset behind gathering new mercenaries according to Spain. In addition, LMU is returning 12 veterans to complement this large incoming squad.

Senior Forward, Matteo Bufalo

Bufalo started in all 16 games last season for the Railsplitters and ranked fourth on the team in points (8) with three goals and a pair of assists.

Sophomore forward, Danilo Seglio

Throughout his first stint with LMU, Seglio also started in all 16 matches and notched two goals and an assist, standing fifth in total points (5).

Senior forward, Ueslei Silva

Silva completed his first season with the Railsplitters with a pair of goals in four starts of 11 total appearances.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Friday at University of North Georgia – The Railsplitters have taken four straight previous victories dating back to Oct. 1, 2011.

Tuesday at Lee University – Last match concluded with a stalemate 1-1 in the 2018 campaign.

Sept. 14 vs Young Harris College – Home opener for the Railsplitters.