South Jersey Soccer: Ocean City Barons 2006 - Season Opener at Home Saturday Monday, May 8, 2006 By Paul O'Donnell Ocean City Barons Correspondent The Premier Development League's 2004 MVP Reuben Mingo, will be returning to the Barons for another run at the title. Mingo signed with USL Div 1 Richmond Kickers after the Barons were knocked out of the PDL's Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2005 and finished the season there in the Div 1 championship match in Seattle. Mingo rang up some impressive numbers again last year for the Barons and we're looking forward to more of the same in 2006. Of his experience with United Soccer League's Div 1 Richmond (the Kickers have since dropped down to Div II) Mingo offered this “it was a great experience but I would have liked to see more playing time on the pitch.” The Barons are also pleased to note that David Daigle has fully recovered from the injury he suffered on the opening weekend last season that had him on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign. David is in fine form (and voice) and looking forward to the season getting underway. Another of the returning players that have been impressive in workouts this spring is Joe Banks who came out fit and ready to play. Anchoring the Barons back line again this year will be the All PDL central defender John Thompkins and All Conference pick Chris Williams, Tommy Greenawalt and Andy Tait. Barons GM and player/coach Neil Holloway is fully fit after his foot injury and in fine form ready to bolster the midfield where he will be joined by Adam Sternberger, Rich Baker, Matt Maher along with some talented new faces. Leading the Barons attack up front Byron Carmichael, along with Mingo, combine as a very productive strike force and will be attracting plenty of attention from the opponents defenders again this season. Look for some of the new additions to make their mark on the attack. There will be a number of talented new faces on this edition of the Ocean City Barons to complement those returning veteran players that form the core of this team. Several of these players that will be new to the team will have a big part in the story of the 2006 season. You'll want to be there to open the Barons 2006 season. The Barons are looking to take that next step this year on the road to the PDL National Title and the new additions may make that a reality this time around. Mark your calendar. The Barons regular season kicks off on Saturday, May 13 @7:30 at Ocean City's Carey Stadium against the Williamsburg Legacy. Be there.