RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's soccer program begins its second campaign in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference as the Hardrockers open the 2016 season Sept. 4 on the road against the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D.
 
SD Mines is eager to improve on their 2015 season, which was the best in program history thus far.
 
"We are extremely excited about this season," said Hardrocker men's soccer head coach Jordan Kadlec.  "We have a very talented group of freshman that will both make an immediate impact on the field and add quality depth to our program that we haven't seen before."
 
A primary focus for the Hardrockers' 2016 tour will be defense. In 2015, SD Mines gave up an average of 2.78 goals per game, many of which were conceded very early in games. With the impact of some newcomers along tactical adjustments the team is very hopeful to improve their defensive record.
 
The Hardrockers now have a year in the RMAC under their belt. In their debut season the Rockers went 2-9 in conference play, which was good for eighth in the conference.
 
"The RMAC is an extremely tough conference but in the end, we want to be playing soccer in November," Kadlec said. "Having a core group of returners, who have a year of experience within the RMAC, should prove to be invaluable to our success."
 
The Hardrockers graduated just two players in 2015 while bringing in nine new players including eight freshmen and one transfer. Additionally, senior Andreas Skau returns to the Hardrocker lineup after missing 2015 due to injury. The Hardrockers also return junior midfielder David Pineda, who led the 'Rockers in shots, assists, and points (two goals, three assists) last season.
 
The schedule may prove to be a tough one for the players. SD Mines starts off the season with eight games on the road in a schedule that includes: 10 away matchups in comparison to just seven at home.
 
The Hardrockers open conference play Sept. 16 against Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., while the home opener is slated for Oct. 2 at Sioux Park Stadium against Colorado Christian in a 1 p.m. matchup. 
 
Also again this season, SD Mines will provide all home and conference games will be live-streamed. Links can be found at www.GoRockers.com  on the Hardrocker Soccer schedule page.