After starting the season 1-0-1 vs ranked opponents, the Ashland University men’s soccer team then had a 1-3 record over the next 4 games. 

After tying #6 Millersville and beating #18 Gannon, the team has begun to struggle for the first time in the early season. With 77% of the team being freshmen and sophomores, inexperience played a factor in the up-and-down start to this season.

“We have been a little inconsistent, but overall after the good start we are headed in the right direction,” said Men’s soccer Head Coach Nick Roberts.  

Coach Roberts also alluded to the fact that the team, although young, had plenty of talent and needed to rely on the few veteran players to lead the team. 

One of those leaders, 5th-year senior Haruki Kimura, had pride in his role in working with the younger players.

“I think it was important for me to be selected as a captain which was voted by the players on the team, as I can showcase my leadership skills and help our team achieve our goals for the season,” said Kimura.

The leadership of Haruki Kimura, as well as others, has not gone unnoticed among the younger players of the team.

“There have been a definitely been a few players that have stepped up this year to be leaders,” said sophomore Ross Lamont. “Matt [Roberts] and Haruki [Kimura] stand out to me as the leaders of the team, they have done a great job leading by example so far.”

The talent of the team combined with the leadership proved to be a working combination in the first two games of the year, but now the leaders are doing what they can, but know it may not be an easy task to finish well this season.

“Having scored 2 goals in the opening games, I feel like I have contributed in tough games, said Kimura. “However, I would like this to continue and be able to pick up more goals and assists and help my team reach the tournament.”

The leaders look to lead the team through what may be a tumultuous season, but Coach Roberts has bigger goals than just a good record this year.

“With so many freshmen and sophomores, I think our goal this year is starting to build a program as opposed to building a team,” said Coach Roberts.

The next step to building a program and culture the team can rely on for years to come presents itself tonight in a game on the road against the Cedarville Yellow Jackets, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m.