EAST LANSING- The Michigan State men’s soccer team introduced its 2023 signing class on Thursday, Nov. 17. The newest MSU men’s soccer members include midfielder Colin Acre, defender Will Eby, defender Myles Foster and forward Richie Ludwig.  

“They all have had a parent or both parents attend MSU,” said Damon Rensing in a press release. “They’ve grown up Spartans, and it’s great to see them have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams at MSU.” 

Acre plays at Vardar Academy, one of the most highly regarded youth soccer development programs in the Midwest, and attends Utica High School.  The 5-foot-10 midfielder scored six goals and recorded six assists last season. He helped his team qualify for the MLS Next playoffs in 2022.  

“He [Acre] can play both in the midfield, or further up the field,” said Rensing.

Acre’s father Steve, played for the MSU soccer team from 1998-2001 and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors twice during his time in East Lansing. 

The next commit is Eby, a tall defender from Northville High School. 

Rensing described Eby as a “versatile, athletic defender who can play center back, or as an outside back.” 

Eby plays for Michigan Wolves and is teammates with fellow MSU signee Myles Foster. He was the top-ranked defender, according to Michigan Prep Soccer.  

“He is very comfortable playing out of the back while being pressed and is very good at breaking lines and starting the attack from the backline,” said Rensing. 

Foster competed in the GA cup for the past four years and has played in the MLS Next tournament. 

The final addition to the 2023 class is Ludwig. Ludwig led Clarkston High School to the regional finals, scoring 21 goals and adding 20 assists in his senior year. 

“Richie [Ludwig] is a forward with great pace, and the ability to not only score goals but score big goals in big games.  He is composed on the ball and also has the ability to set his teammates up to score as well,” said Rensing.

Ludwig earned All-America honors this season as well as his second First-Team All-State honor.  

The 2023 recruiting class for Michigan State hopes to continue impressing fans at DeMartin Stadium, just like the 2022 class did this fall. Freshman Jonathan Stout was named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Year for his performances and Jake Spadafora earned a place in the All-Freshman team alongside Stout.