The Ashland men’s and Women’s soccer teams had an outstanding season. Both teams won the GMAC trophy.

Both the Eagles men’s and women’s soccer teams had their season cut short after the first round of the NCAA tournament. The women’s team lost to Fariss State in a penalty shootout. While on the men’s side, they lost to the Parkside Rangers 2-3.

“I don’t think I would have changed anything with how this season went or even my last six years. I have had some difficult times, which made me into the person and player I am today. Choosing to stay for my 6th year was a hard decision and with how this season went I can easily say it was the right decision and I wouldn’t change a thing” said sixth-year defender Rylie Howman.

However, both teams saw great success throughout the regular season. The men went 10-1-6 in the regular season while the women’s side went 13-2-3.

This saw both teams making it to the GMAC playoffs. Both sides found great success by making it to the finals. The women won 1-0 against Cedarville. The men beat Cedarville 2-1 making both teams GMAC champs. 

“I couldn’t have asked for a better group in a tough tournament to win a great trophy,” said women’s head coach Cayleb Paulino.

On top of this several players on the men’s and women’s sides got the Great Midwest athletic player of the week. On the women’s side, fifth-year student Rylie Howman won first team in the D2CCA all-region teams and division 2 defensive player of the year. Sophomore  Mckinley Mendenhall won second team and led the team with 9 goals and 13 assists. And senior Bailey Clark won third team. While on the men’s side sophomore Ty Bowden won goalkeeper of the year. Fifth year forward Haruki Kimura won first team. And head coach Nick Roberts won coach of the year.

“I think, the fact we produced the only winning record the men’s team has had since 2016 we can certainly say it was a success.” said men’s head coach Nick Roberts about the season.

“In all honesty, it felt unbelievable, to be the first Ashland men’s soccer team to win the GMAC tournament was really special.” said sophomore Jake Grove.