Palmetto FC Bantams News Release -- www.palmettobantamsfc.com
Friday, February 17, 2012
GREENWOOD, S.C. -- Palmetto Football Club has announced the first five players on the team’s inaugural roster. Three University of South Carolina rising sophomores Robert Beebe (Goalkeeper), Ryan Freiburger (Midfielder), and Braeden Troyer (Midfielder) will join the team along with two rising seniors Mike Mangotic (Defender) and Eric Martinez (Defender). Beebe, Freiburger, and Troyer were also teammates in high school when they played for the South Carolina United FC Academy Team. 
Beebe, a 2011 ESPN High School All-American and the 2011 South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, is from Charleston, S.C. He will provide a great presence in goal and is expected to be a key player for the Bantams.
Freiburger was a three-time All-State player who holds his high school's record for goals. The left-footed midfielder from Lexington, S.C., is a rarity many teams do not have and will be used as a left winger. He also plays out wide for the Gamecocks.
Troyer was also a 2011 ESPN High School All-American from Columbia, S.C. As a freshman at South Carolina, he started all 19 games in the midfield for the Gamecocks and was named All-Conference USA and a Freshman All-American by CollegeSoccerNews.com for 2012. He is a young, exciting player that can score and get the ball to other players from the center of the midfield.
Going into his senior year, Mangotic has started every game in his Gamecock career. As a versatile player who excels as a defender or striker, he is a commodity that most teams would love to have. The Maumee, Ohio, native is currently projected to play as a striker for the Bantams.
Martinez is another former ESPN High School All-American. The Rock Hill, S.C., defender also played with the U.S. Under-18 National Team before college. He started every game of the 2012 season for South Carolina and was one of the team’s key players. He will play as a central defender for the Bantams.
With the addition of these five players, only 21 more spots are available for the 2012 roster. Stay tuned for weekly updates as more players will be announced. The roster is expected to be completed by March 1st. Visit www.palmettofc.com, visit our Facebook page, or contact us at info@palmettofc.com.