The 2015 regular season has come to a close, and the Beachwood boys soccer team finished with a record of 9-2-5. University School and inner-conference rival, Kirtland, handed the Bison their two losses.

After a heartbreaking loss to South Range in the regional final last year, the Beachwood boys soccer team is hungry to surpass last year’s playoff run.

“The ultimate goal is to become state champions,” said junior forward Shai Yulish, who is the team’s scoring leader. “If we play as a team, we will be able to do it.”

Failing to defeat Kirtland proved to be costly, as the Bison came up short in defending the CVC title, which they have held for the last three years.

Although he was upset about their finish in conference play, Junior forward Shai Yulish feels that the Kirtland loss was a good lesson for the team.

“We came into that game as the number two team in the Division III state poll,” he said. “We felt we were going to roll them [Kirtland] over, and our heads just got too big. Now we know we cannot overlook any team moving forward. It’s all business from here onto the state finals.”

Unfortunately, the Bison were plagued with injury during the regular season.

Their lack of depth can be contributed to many games where the Bison let second half leads slip away. The starters simply ran out of gas.

Junior captain Asaf Roth and Senior defensemen Cameron Krantz missed significant time. Roth underwent hip surgery during the offseason and Krantz was kept out due to a stress fracture in his shin. Junior goalie Griffin Davis also experienced problems with his wrist, but often pushed himself through the pain.

Senior captain Max Babbush admired Davis’s determination.

“He saved us from losing multiple games so far, he is truly our team MVP.”

Thankfully, the Bison will be at full strength for their playoff push.

Widely regarded as the team’s leader, Senior captain Bagatur Askaryan spoke of what it means to be able to have Roth back on the pitch.

“He’s a creative force on the field, and we’ve missed him this season, so we’re glad to have him back.”

Askaryan went on to explain the one goal the team has in mind.

“State championship, that’s it,” he said. “That’s the only goal.”

Yulish spoke of the team’s playoff exit last season in the regional final, using it as motivation.

“Every game we will be thinking about the outcome of that game, it will push us,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Bison open postseason play vs. the Grand Valley Mustangs. The playoff contest will be held at home on Saturday, October 24th at 4:30.

If the Bison are able to advance further in the tournament, a rematch against Kirtland is possible.

“If we do end up playing Kirtland we will be prepared. There will be a different outcome this time around,” Askaryan said.