AMHERST, N.Y. - FC Buffalo, an amateur soccer club which competes in the National Premier Soccer League, has named Justin Figler (Grand Island, N.Y./Grand Island) of Daemen College to its roster for the 2016 season which runs from mid-May through early August.  

Figler, a 5-foot-11 goalkeeper, played every minute of every game between the pipes for the Wildcats last fall as a true freshman, ranking third among all East Coast Conference net-minders in minutes played (1457:36).  He also ranked second in the league in total saves with 88.

Figler is currently one of three goalkeepers on the FC Buffalo roster.

"Justin works very hard and I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach him in the past," said FC Buffalo head coach Brendan Murphy.  "He is a solid shot stopper with great reflexes and will be an excellent addition to our goalkeeping corps."

"Justin's selection to play for FC Buffalo is a fantastic achievement, both for him and for the soccer program here at Daemen," said newly-appointed Daemen head coach Bobby McColl. "He is an extremely talented goalkeeper and I am looking forward to working with him over the next three years.  His dedication, discipline and commitment give him a great platform to be successful.  I have no doubt his time with FC Buffalo will help him grow as both a player and an individual."

NCAA Division II rules allow for student-athletes with remaining eligibility to practice and compete on an outside, amateur team, provided that the student-athlete's participation occurs outside of the championship and non-championship segments of their collegiate season.

Figler's selection marks the second straight year that the FC Buffalo roster has had a Daemen flavor.  Former Wildcat midfielder Trevor Hill (Courtice, Ont./Holy Trinity Catholic), who played at Daemen from 2010-13, was on the roster last season, notching one assist in six games played.

FC Buffalo kicks off its 2016 season on Saturday, May 14 by hosting Rochester River Dogz FC at Buffalo's Robert E. Rich All-High Stadium beginning at 7 p.m.