Photo by: Kirk Irwin
Returning Veterans Have No. 7 Buckeyes Undefeated
9/19/2024 10:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The 2023 Ohio State Men's Soccer team faced its share of adversity, but it also set the stage for a comeback in 2024 for the seventh edition of Brian Maisonneuve's Buckeyes.
Finishing with a record of 6-6-6 a year ago, the Buckeyes battled through an injury-riddled campaign that sidelined key veterans Thomas Gilej, Nathan Demian, David Wrona and Reed Davis.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the resilience and determination of this team is evident in the impressive early success. The Buckeyes earned their second undefeated non-conference record (5-0-1) over the last three seasons with its veterans back on the field leading the way. Ohio State also opened the Big Ten Conference portion of the 2024 schedule with an impressive 5-0 win at Penn State Tuesday.
With the undefeated start, the Buckeyes climbed the weekly United Soccer Coaches poll to the No. 7 spot, the highest national ranking in program history.
The 2024 Buckeyes hit the ground running, showing a mix of veteran presence and experienced depth. A pivotal factor in their resurgence has been the unexpected growth opportunities that arose while the injured athletes watched from the sidelines in 2023.
Maisonneuve had never experienced the sheer number of injuries previously in his coaching career.
"It was a challenging year," Maisonneuve said of 2023. "We had more injuries than I've ever had to deal with. Our guys battled really hard, and luckily, we were deep last year. Our depth was truly tested. We managed to get it rolling toward the end of the season, but the early losses were tough."
For Demian, the experience of watching from the sidelines was unprecedented.
"This was the first time in my life that I faced such a situation," he said. "It was incredibly stressful not being on the field because you feel like you don't have an impact. But there were still ways to contribute."
Wrona, a native of Hoover, Alabama, found meaning in the sidelines attending to small details often overlooked while playing extensive minutes on the pitch.
"Simply carrying the ball to the sideline, getting people water and encouraging guys - it might seem minor, but it helps set a higher standard."
Maisonneuve said much can be learned when players are not able to wear the uniform on match days.
"You can learn a ton by observing," Maisonneuve said. "It's different when you play versus when you watch. Observing helps you pick up on tactical nuances you might miss while playing."
Reflecting on his time last year, Wrona, who also was adapting to Ohio State as a transfer from Wake Forest, acknowledged the mental toll of injury and recovery.
"It's a rollercoaster," Wrona said. "Some days are tough, others are better. But it builds mental strength. It's a process of ups and downs."
He also appreciated the chance to balance his training while focusing on aspects of his fitness he might otherwise neglect.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the return of veteran players has injected optimism into the team. Demian, Gilej and Wrona combined to play 144 matches with 77 starts to their credit prior to sitting out last year.
"When you're younger, you might get caught up in rankings and fail to focus until it's too late," Demian, a native of Vancouver, said. "As older players, we understand the importance of consistency throughout the year."
Wrona emphasized the value of passing on experience.
"We've seen high highs and low lows," he said. "We use that to guide the younger guys, helping them avoid our mistakes and focus on the right direction."
Maisonneuve is enthusiastic about the impact of having his key players back as the team enters the difficult Big Ten Conference regular season.
"Having our veterans return is fantastic," Maisonneuve said. "The struggles last year have translated into this success this season. Our depth is a significant advantage and the experience some of our players gained from more minutes than planned last year is invaluable. They've been through the grind and are ready for any big game."
With their blend of experience and fresh determination, the Buckeyes are poised for a bounce-back season. The trials of the past have forged a team that is not only resilient but also ready to take on the challenges of the Big Ten and more.
by Ryan Sauline, student assistant
Ohio State Athletics Communications
Finishing with a record of 6-6-6 a year ago, the Buckeyes battled through an injury-riddled campaign that sidelined key veterans Thomas Gilej, Nathan Demian, David Wrona and Reed Davis.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the resilience and determination of this team is evident in the impressive early success. The Buckeyes earned their second undefeated non-conference record (5-0-1) over the last three seasons with its veterans back on the field leading the way. Ohio State also opened the Big Ten Conference portion of the 2024 schedule with an impressive 5-0 win at Penn State Tuesday.
With the undefeated start, the Buckeyes climbed the weekly United Soccer Coaches poll to the No. 7 spot, the highest national ranking in program history.
The 2024 Buckeyes hit the ground running, showing a mix of veteran presence and experienced depth. A pivotal factor in their resurgence has been the unexpected growth opportunities that arose while the injured athletes watched from the sidelines in 2023.
Maisonneuve had never experienced the sheer number of injuries previously in his coaching career.
"It was a challenging year," Maisonneuve said of 2023. "We had more injuries than I've ever had to deal with. Our guys battled really hard, and luckily, we were deep last year. Our depth was truly tested. We managed to get it rolling toward the end of the season, but the early losses were tough."
For Demian, the experience of watching from the sidelines was unprecedented.
"This was the first time in my life that I faced such a situation," he said. "It was incredibly stressful not being on the field because you feel like you don't have an impact. But there were still ways to contribute."
Wrona, a native of Hoover, Alabama, found meaning in the sidelines attending to small details often overlooked while playing extensive minutes on the pitch.
"Simply carrying the ball to the sideline, getting people water and encouraging guys - it might seem minor, but it helps set a higher standard."
Maisonneuve said much can be learned when players are not able to wear the uniform on match days.
"You can learn a ton by observing," Maisonneuve said. "It's different when you play versus when you watch. Observing helps you pick up on tactical nuances you might miss while playing."
Reflecting on his time last year, Wrona, who also was adapting to Ohio State as a transfer from Wake Forest, acknowledged the mental toll of injury and recovery.
"It's a rollercoaster," Wrona said. "Some days are tough, others are better. But it builds mental strength. It's a process of ups and downs."
He also appreciated the chance to balance his training while focusing on aspects of his fitness he might otherwise neglect.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the return of veteran players has injected optimism into the team. Demian, Gilej and Wrona combined to play 144 matches with 77 starts to their credit prior to sitting out last year.
"When you're younger, you might get caught up in rankings and fail to focus until it's too late," Demian, a native of Vancouver, said. "As older players, we understand the importance of consistency throughout the year."
Wrona emphasized the value of passing on experience.
"We've seen high highs and low lows," he said. "We use that to guide the younger guys, helping them avoid our mistakes and focus on the right direction."
Maisonneuve is enthusiastic about the impact of having his key players back as the team enters the difficult Big Ten Conference regular season.
"Having our veterans return is fantastic," Maisonneuve said. "The struggles last year have translated into this success this season. Our depth is a significant advantage and the experience some of our players gained from more minutes than planned last year is invaluable. They've been through the grind and are ready for any big game."
With their blend of experience and fresh determination, the Buckeyes are poised for a bounce-back season. The trials of the past have forged a team that is not only resilient but also ready to take on the challenges of the Big Ten and more.
by Ryan Sauline, student assistant
Ohio State Athletics Communications
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Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Men's Soccer
Defender
/ Men's Soccer
Defender
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Midfielder
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