GRAND RAPIDS - Officials at Grand Rapids FC wanted to get a clear idea of the capacity of Houseman Field for the upcoming season because they hope to reach it at least once this season.

The fourth tier soccer club, which enjoyed remarkable support and attendance its inaugural season in 2015, faces the challenge of building on that for 2016.

After averaging 4,509 fans last season, the goal is to increase that "by at least one," said Matt Roberts, the team's founder.

But he is thinking higher.

"We're seeing the growth from last year in that season passes have already exceeded last year and single-ticket sales have been going very, very well," he said. "It looks like we're going to be on for a big season this year."

Season tickets sales are about 650, he said, noting last year's total was 600.

The team has one more exhibition match, 7 p.m. Friday at Aquinas (it's free), before the season and home opener on May 6 against Ole.

MORE: Ticket information

Roberts' optimism is fueled by strong ticket sales, he said, for a June 10 game against Detroit City FC and July 15 when American soccer legend Landon Donovan will be in town for a camp and participant in halftime activities. Both of those are on target to reach the 7,000-seat capacity.

"If we get over last year it is a step forward," he said. "I think our goal this year is to win every game this year. We're really putting our focus on the field."

The team, which went 5-5-3 overall (3-2-3 in the Great Lakes Premier League) has moved up to the National Premier Soccer League and will play in the Midwest Region as an expansion team.

First-year success has also allowed the club to expand and enhance marketing. Roberts said they have hired two additional staff members for game-day operations along with an associate head coach, broadened sponsorships and, most recently, paired with Holland-based New Holland Brewing for its own Extra Time beer.

The Grand Army, the fan support group of the team, will still be in place, and plan to continue its march from Bob's Bar to the stadium before every game. Even Donovan is expected to join the march in July.

Here they are from last year:

The 2016 schedule:

Friday, April 15 - at Grand Valley (scrimmage), 7

Friday, April 22 - at Hope College (scrimmage), 7

Friday, April 29 - at Aquinas College (scrimmage), 7

Friday, May 6 - vs Ole, 7:45

Saturday, May 14 - vs Muskegon, 7:45

Friday, May 20 - at Michigan Stars, 7

Sunday, May 22 - vs Oakland County FC, 5

Friday, May 27 - vs Michigan Stars, 7:45

Monday, May 30 - at AFC Ann Arbor, 1

Friday, June 3 - at Lansing United, 7

Sunday, June 5 - at KZOO FC, 6:05

Friday, June 10 - vs DCFC, 7:45

Saturday, June 11 - vs Force FC, 7:45

Friday, June 17 - vs KZOO FC, 7:45

Sunday, June 19 - at Dayton Dynamo, 2

Wednesday, June 29 - at Ole, 7

Friday, July 1 - at DCFC, 7:30

Sunday, July 3 - vs Dayton Dynamo, 5

Friday, July 8 - vs AFC Ann Arbor, 7:45

Friday, July 15 - vs Lansing United, 7:45

Friday, July 22, Sunday, July 24 - Midwest playoffs, TBD

Saturday, July 30 - NPSL Semifinals, TBD

Saturday, Aug. 6 - NPSL finals, TBD

*- All times p.m.

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.