BEREA, Ohio – The Baldwin Wallace University men's soccer team, under the direction of veteran head coach Reid Ayers, is ready for kickoff.

Coach Ayers returns 19 letterwinners and four Academic All-OAC selections from last year's squad that last finished with an overall record of 11-6-2 and an OAC record of 2-6-1.

Spearheading the attack will be senior Michael Tusick (Strongsville) and sophomore Max Yakym (Parma /Normandy).

Tusick appeared in 18 games and made two starts last season. He took 18 shots with seven on goal, and tied for fifth in the OAC while leading the team with a career-best six assists. He tied for fifth on the team with a career-best tying three goals, and scored one game-winning goal.

Yakym appeared in 18 games and made seven starts last season. He took 34 shots with 13 on goal. He tied for fourth on the team with a career-best three assists. He was also second on the team with a career-best seven goals.

Leading the charge for the midfield will be senior Julian Kieres (Lakewood) and junior Tommy Buser (Akron /Revere).

Kieres appeared in 19 games and made four starts last season. He was tied for fourth on the team with 11 points and scored one game-winning goal. He took 24 shots with 15 on goal.

Buser appeared in and started 19 games. He was tied for fifth on the team with a career-best tying three goals. He took 29 shots with 16 on goal.

The defense will be led by junior Andrew Chase (Collierville, Tenn. /Harding Academy). 

Chase appeared in 15 games and made three starts last season. He registered a career-best two points and one goal, scoring one game winning goal. He took six shots with two on goal.

BW opens the 2023 season on the road Sept. 1 when it travels to Erie (Pa.) to take on the North Central (Ill.) College Cardinals in the Herb Lauffer Memorial Tournament. The home opener is on Sept. 9 when the Yellow Jackets host the Bluffton Beavers at Tressel Field. BW opens up OAC play on Sept. 30 when they travel to Marietta to face the Marietta College Pioneers.