The Michigan men’s soccer team hasn’t had a winning record since 2021, but with some key additions via the transfer portal and the high school ranks, the Wolverines look to right the ship this fall:
The Michigan men’s soccer team faced consistent struggles last season. Offensively, the Wolverines weren’t able to get a rhythm going all season, being shut out five separate times and averaging less than 10 shots per game. Meanwhile, Michigan’s back line was peppered with shots, putting the pressure on its defense and goalkeepers to keep the team afloat.
Fielding a young and inexperienced roster did the Wolverines no favor last season. Coupled with the departures this offseason of some of the limited experience that was in Ann Arbor, such as forward and top goal-scorer Alex Waggoner, the roster needed retooling.
Michigan didn’t sit around and wait, though, instead making moves in the transfer portal to bolster its roster. Behind the talent that remained in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines brought in numerous players with experience to slot into their top 11.
Among the numerous transfers Michigan added was forward Grayson Elmquist. Coming from Xavier after his freshman season, Elmquist played in 17 matches, earning consistent playing time out of the gate. Alongside transfer forward Beto Soto from Marquette, and returners such as graduate Riley Ferch, the Wolverines feature a new look — and a mix of returning talent and fresh faces — in their front line.
Behind the front line are additions such as transfer midfielder Rocky Perez and transfer defender Pierre Lurot. Their additions will add meaningful playing time to the Wolverines’ roster, as both Perez and Lurot were consistent contributors on their former teams.
Michigan not only brought in experienced transfers, but two highly-acclaimed freshmen as well. First in this class is goalkeeper Alen Bean. Bean has played in both the United States and Ukraine, as a part of Bethesda SC and the Dynamo Kyiv Youth Academy, respectively.
Though the incoming talent should provide an immediate boost for the Wolverines, major contributors such as Ferch, goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson, midfielder Bryce Blevins and defenseman Will Baker are still in Ann Arbor. With another year under their belt, Michigan has a core it can rely on to incorporate new faces.
With a roster with as much turnover as the Wolverines, it’ll take time to adjust and build chemistry. With two exhibition matches against Akron and DePaul to start the season, Michigan will have time to find its footing. But it’ll take more than just two games to prove that the tides are turning. The 2023 season was a disappointment for the coaching staff and players, and more than just a course correction is needed.
Though the changes in the locker room are a promising sight, the extent of the impact has yet to be seen. Alongside the six newcomers, all returners have an extra year of development. But for a team that hasn’t had a winning record since 2021, it’ll take more than a different lineup to be effective.