Men's Soccer ready for strong campaign

The Muskingum men's soccer team, now under the direction of first-year head coach Adam Ponder, look to make a big stride this fall. With 12 letterwinners, including eight starters, and a talented recruiting class coming in, the Muskies are primed and ready to have a big year in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

Leading the Muskies this season will be senior forward Chase Michael Hilliard, senior midfielder Drew Wise, senior midfielder Blake Horne, junior midfielder Michael Horgan, junior defender Tre Boger, sophomore defender Logan Gray, and junior goalie William Chase Bradshaw.

Hilliard led the Muskies attack with a team-high seven goals and also contributed two assists while starting in 17 games last season. Wise started 15 games and controlled the midfield for the Muskies en route to one goal on the year with help from his midfield partner and returning team captain Horgan, who played in every game last fall and received Honorable Mention All-OAC honors for his play. Horne also contributed with his presence in the midfield and added two assists.

Boger and Gray helped anchor and lead the backline that initiated the Muskie attack. Boger contributed two goals and one assist, while Gray tallied one assist.

Bradshaw saw action in five games and made two starts between the pipes for the Muskies, making 18 saves and earning a win.

Adding more depth and talent to the squad will be senior defender Colton Wilson, senior forward Don Ingold, sophomore forward Bailey Adams, sophomore forward Omar Lahbiki, sophomore defender Jeremiah Kusi, and sophomore forward Blake Weatherholt.

Muskingum kicks off the new season at Pitt-Greensburg on Friday, August 30. The home opener will be Wednesday, September 4, against Wittenberg at the North Athletic Turf Field. The Muskies begin OAC play at home against John Carroll on Saturday, October 5.