HIGH POINT, N.C. (September 15, 2026) – Carolina Core FC announced today that the club has exercised its option on defender Ryan Baer for the 2027 season, keeping the Huntersville, North Carolina native with the Foxes as the club continues building its roster for the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season.
Baer joined Carolina Core FC during the 2026 season, bringing professional experience, versatility and a strong connection to the state of North Carolina. Since arriving in High Point, he has provided the Foxes with another dependable option across the back line while contributing to the competitive identity Head Coach Jake Davis continues to establish within the group.
“Ryan has continued to show how important he is to what we are building at Carolina Core,” said Davis. “His consistency, competitiveness and commitment to getting better every day set the standard we want within our environment. He understands what it means to represent this club, and we believe there is still another level for him to reach.”
“Baer shows his pride and passion for the club every moment of every day,” Davis continued. “Bringing him back was something we wanted to do from his first day at the club. We’re excited to continue working with Ryan and see the impact he can make for us during the Sprint Season.”
Heading into Carolina Core FC’s final home match of the season, Baer has appeared in 14 matches and made 12 starts, logging 1,090 minutes. The defender has completed 87% of his passes while recording 20 clearances.
Prior to joining Carolina Core FC, Baer spent time with Tacoma Defiance and Richmond Kickers, gaining professional experience across MLS NEXT Pro and USL League One. He was selected 28th overall by Seattle Sounders FC in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft following a standout collegiate career at West Virginia University.
During his time with the Mountaineers, Baer appeared in a school-record 92 matches, making 87 starts and recording seven assists. In 2024, he helped West Virginia capture the Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship while earning All-Sun Belt First Team and All-Southeast Region First Team honors.
A Huntersville native, Baer also developed through the Charlotte Independence system, giving him longstanding ties to the North Carolina soccer community.
The option extension keeps Baer as part of Carolina Core FC’s plans for 2027 as the Foxes continue shaping their roster ahead of the MLS NEXT Pro Sprint Season.
PLAYER INFORMATION
Name: Ryan Baer
Position: Defender
Hometown: Huntersville, N.C.
College: West Virginia University
Previous Clubs: Richmond Kickers, Tacoma Defiance
