Baker University’s men’s soccer team is ranked #23 in this week’s NAIA men’s soccer poll. The men’s soccer team is looking to repeat the magical run they had last year, when they advanced to the Round of 16 in the NAIA national tournament.
According to head coach Nick Aguilar, this team can do just that. Through eight games, the Wildcats have accumulated three wins, four losses, and one tie, with three of those losses being to teams ranked in the top ten of the NAIA men’s soccer poll.
Coach Aguilar shared how he felt about the team’s start to the season, “I think with our non-conference opponents, we got tested, and I think we showed really well in some games playing against Oklahoma City and our game against McPherson at home, we had a really good road performance at William Woods. And then we had some tough, tough home games from top ten opponents, where we got tested and kind of got to see who we are when we’re dealt some adversity. So, I think there’s some really good signs,” he said.
This is a wildcat team that is returning a ton of depth from last season, with players like Iwan Roberts, Dominik Foldesi, and Mo Salas all returning for their senior season. Coach Aguilar made sure to give these players credit for the way they have been able to lead the team this year.
This is a team that came into the season with a lot of expectations, and these seniors are leading the group daily in practice and film sessions while also making sure to bring the energy it takes to be great every day.
Coach Aguilar also commented on the fact that “there is a learning curve” when coming into the men’s soccer program here at Baker University. The Heart of America is one of, if not the toughest, men’s soccer conference at the NAIA level. The training, recovery and practices that come along with this rigorous schedule have often not yet been faced by incoming transfers or freshmen, and this can affect energy and leadership when “every game is a battle” and you will be tested night in and night out.
Coach Aguilar is very confident in this team’s ability to battle and reach the NAIA men’s soccer tournament for a second straight year. He believes that the leadership and gritty approach this team brings every single day to practice will lead them to where they want to be. Although there are improvements to be made from “fine-tuning the offensive attack” to “defending and growing as a group that wants to fight for each other.” Coach Aguilar said. This team is one that is ready to go and only improving with every game played.
