FC Buffalo’s 2011 roster took a big step this weekend as new head coach Dan Krzyzanowicz announced 16 commitments to the club with plans in effect to offer contracts to more players in the coming weeks.
Four players are back in the fold from last season including the two who tied for the team lead in points. Forward Mike Unwin and midfielder Dan Stevens are slated to return, though Stevens is currently on trial with a professional club in Norway. Also reuniting with the Blitzers are Andy Tiedt (three goals, one assist) and stalwart outside back Andrew Larracuente, a former player under Coach K at Medaille.
Coming to FC Buffalo for the summer is forward Matt Stedman, who has plied his trade professionally in Ireland in addition to stand-out stints at Niagara University and with the Vermont Voltage of the Premier Development League. Joining him up-front are regional All-American Stephen Baker from Penn and Frank Valente, the youngest member of the team. Valente was an All-WNY high school player at Lewiston Porter this season.
Three new midfielders are in the fold, and all have impressive resumes. Colgate’s Matt Schuber lead the Red Raiders in scoring this past season, while Marist’s Krystian Witkowski earned NSCAA Regional All-American status in 2010. Recent Canisius graduate Victor Gonzalez brings another All-American to the unit. The club has also added two solid defenders to the squad in Cornell’s Jake Rinow (Lancaster) and St. John’s Josh Faga (McQuaid Jesuit).
In addition to Larracuente, Krzyzanowicz will bring on several players with whom he’s very familiar from his five trips to the NCAA Tournament as Mavs’ boss. Inking agreements are two-time All-American midfielder Cory Cwiklinski who made the team in 2010 but played elsewhere. Also suiting up for the blue and gold will be NSCAA Regional All-American defenders Jeremy Watson and Patrick Zelko, as well as NSCAA Regional All-American goalkeeper Craig Yanni.
