Season opener Aug. 16 at Tiffin Columbian; host Van Buren in league and home opener, September 4

By Cort Reynolds

The Ada High School boys soccer team put together a great turnaround season in 2024 by winning 14 games, the most in almost two decades for a Bulldog soccer squad.

Now the task for 2025 and beyond is to carry that momentum forward.

Along with returning talent, Bulldog alumnus Aaron Acheson engineered much of the season revival in his first year as head coach with high energy, positivity and soccer knowledge.  

“This is a new team and a new season,” said second-year head coach Acheson of the 2025 Bulldogs. “We have a lot of talent and lost a lot of talent to graduation. We will have to grind out games. We will have to score more as a unit.

“I am happy with last season and we want to continue to build that foundation,” he added.

Ada fashioned a 14-5 overall record and went 2-3 in the rugged North Central Ohio Soccer Association last fall.

The Bulldog boys lost to Riverdale 3-2 in a thrilling Div. III district semifinal. “I would like to make a deeper run in the tournament this year,” said Acheson.  

The Bulldog offense likely won’t be as prolific as last year since they lost two first team all-league weapons to graduation. 

High-scoring Bulldog senior forward Logan Jolliff and ace passer Nathan Williams formed a dynamic duo that combined for over 40 goals and almost 40 assists last year, and their offense will be missed.

But the Bulldogs still return 13 lettermen and some top offensive talent this season. Ada will operate out of a 4-2-3-1-1 format.

Speedy junior goal scorer Andrew Allen returns but will be a marked man, literally, without the other two main prongs of the Ada attack last year. The aggressive Allen poured in 21 goals and doled out four assists in 2024, and was named second team All-NCOSA for his efforts.

“Andrew is an attacking forward,” said Acheson. “He is a very gifted technical player. He is good 1 v. 1, and is a good passer. He can really score, and he will get double-teamed a lot. He is our 10.”

Allen possesses fine speed and good acceleration ability to go with a relentless scoring mentality.

Strong 6-3 junior Carson Conley returns as a top forward and will step into becoming a major offensive threat. He made big strides last season and should comprise a formidable offensive duo up front with classmate Allen. He will likely have a chance to make teams pay when Allen is doubled.

“Carson is physically dominant with good speed,” said Acheson. “He has the ability to finish. He can be a handful up top.”

Experienced junior goalkeeper Jacob Rush returns after starting his first two seasons, where he was named honorable mention all-league both years. Rush recorded 81 saves and a 1.65 goals against average in the 2024 regular season. Rush and the Bulldog defense posted eight shutouts.

“Jacob loves the game and is very experienced in goal,” said the coach. “He is our team captain.”

Rush, tough senior midfielder Evan Miller, senior center-back Jude Griffin, junior defender Wyatt Fisher and slick-passing senior midfielder Joshua Thaxton were all voted honorable mention All-NCOSA.

In the regular season, Thaxton scored four goals and dished out four assists. Miller dished out three assists. Fisher dealt one assist. Griffin also played strong defense.

“Wyatt is very aggressive and physical, he has good speed,” said Acheson. “Jude is fearless and has good speed. Josh is a good passer who can score.”

Speedy senior Jacob Henson is back as a key defender. “He has endurance and stamina,” said Acheson.

Sophomore right/center back defender Daniel Klear “has good size and technical skills,” the coach noted.

The coach feels the Bulldog midfield unit is one of the strengths of the team. Senior Evan Miller and junior Bradyn Bowen will pace the defensive midfield.

“Those two are smart players who can trigger the attack,” said Acheson. “They have improved their decision-making.”

Solid juniors Tim Chrissobolis and Chase Jarrett lend quality skill to the midfield unit. “Chase is a natural left-footer and has a great left foot,” said Acheson. “But he can play both sides. Tim also is a good two-footed player and will play the right side.”

Promising sophomores Rhett Ulrey (MF), Will Mosler (F/MF), Lucas Henson (D), Wyatt Shaw (D) and backup keeper Max Baumgartner also return to lend quality depth.

Junior MF/D Connor McKean rounds out the 13 returning lettermen on the 18-player roster. Four seniors, seven juniors and seven sophomores comprise the roster.

“I want us to be an unselfish team,” Acheson summed up. “Unselfishness is contagious.”

Ada starts its season August 16 at Tiffin Columbian. The Bulldogs host NCOSA rival Van Buren in the league and home opener September 4. 

A key league showdown vs. defending champion Liberty-Benton looms Sept. 18 at Ada. “Liberty is the favorite - they don’t rebuild, they reload,” said Acheson. “Van Buren lost a lot of top seniors. Upper Sandusky looks legit.”

Liberty-Benton won the 2024 conference crown with a 5-0 record. Van Buren finished second at 4-1. Ada, Riverdale and Upper Sandusky tied for third in the competitive league with identical 2-3 records. Cory-Rawson finished last in the six-team league at 0-5.

“Ada can finish in the top two or three in the NCOSA race," Acheson offered. “We want to sustain being a top program.”

Among their many strengths Ada features two fine offensive threats, a good defense and a fine keeper.

“Some of our other strengths appear to be the backline and midfield,” Acheson said.

“I am excited for our second season,” he enthused. “Last year everything was new. We have a good staff with Ezra Dietering back, along with Ada alum Andy Steingass, who will coach the keepers.”

Veteran former Ada head coach Marty Clum has also joined the coaching staff as an assistant. “He is very experienced and I am excited and glad to have Marty’s help,” Acheson said.

A highlight of the regular season is a Sunday, Sept. 21 battle with Hardin County rival Kenton at the Columbus Crew’s Lower.com Stadium.

Ada boys soccer 2025 at a glance

2024 record: 14-5 overall, 2-3 NCOSA (tied 3rd)

Head coach: Aaron Acheson, 2nd year

Lettermen back: 13

Formation: 4-2-3-1-1

Top returnees: Sr. D Jude Griffin, Sr. D Jacob Henson, Sr. D Evan Miller, Sr. MF Josh Thaxton, Jr. F Carson Conley, Jr. GK Jacob Rush, Jr. F Andrew Allen, Jr. D Bradyn Bowen, Jr. MF Chase Jarrett, Jr. MF Tim Chrissobolis, Jr. D Wyatt Fisher, Jr. MF Connor McKean, So. D Daniel Klear, So. F Will Mosler, So. MF Rhett Ulrey, So. Lucas Henson, So. D Wyatt Shaw.