Asheville City SC Midfielder Ryan Baer has made the leap to the next level, signing with MLS Next Pro side Carolina Core FC. Baer first joined the Blues back in 2022, during Men’s Sporting Director Scott Wells’ first season as Head Coach. Baer, who played collegiately at West Virginia University, stayed with the Blues for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and was a key part of the club’s first ever Southern Conference title and National Semifinals appearance in ‘24.
After another standout season at WVU, Baer was selected 28th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by the Seattle Sounders. He spent the 2025 season with the Tacoma Defiance, and eventually the Richmond Kickers on loan. Baer rejoined the Blues for both matches in the club’s 2026 US Open Cup run, helping lead Asheville to their first Open Cup victory in club history: a 3-1 victory over the Greenville Triumph on March 18, 2026. Baer stuck with the Blues for the beginning of the 2026 USL League Two campaign, starting two matches before inking the deal with Carolina Core.
“This is who we are. Find any other USL2 team that dares to dream of living up to the “Path2Pro” slogan that USL2 stands for,” says Wells, who coached Baer for three seasons in the 828. “We continue our rich tradition of helping players find their dreams through Asheville City. I am beyond proud of Baer, who has stood by me since I first started my journey in Asheville. Belong, Believe, Be Blue.”
