OTTAWA – As the Ravens men’s soccer team started their 2021 season there was a notable omission from the Ravens sideline. Key recruit Ronan Kratt was not along the Carleton sideline, nor did his name appear in the program. Kratt is instead over 6,000 KM away in Ulm, Germany.
Ronan Kratt of SSV Ulm 1846
In July, the 17-year-old Kratt joined SSV Ulm 1846 in the U19 Bundesliga. Having previously played two years at Barca Residency Academy in the US Development Academy League, the former Ottawa South United prospect made an immediate impact scoring 5 goals and 6 assists in pre-season competition.
After committing to the Ravens at only 16-years old, Kratt began training with the Ravens squad in January 2020, playing alongside some current Ravens’ players in the 2020 PLSQ season, under the Ottawa South United banner. Having continued to hone his skills with the Ravens throughout the pandemic, the dual-footed attacking threat is now looking to follow in the footsteps of notable SSV Ulm alumni German striker Mario Gomez and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
A highly sought-after recruit, Kratt turned down multiple NCAA Division I offers before committing to the Ravens before his senior year of high school. Having originally set his sights on playing professionally in the CPL, the young Kratt has used his exceptional talent and work ethic to vault his career to the next level.
Discussing Kratt’s impeccable talent, coach Kwesi Loney reflected immediately on the first time Kratt took the pitch with some of his fellow Ravens. The young Kratt’s talent was immediately on display. Reflecting on the short time they spent together coach Loney praised his skill. “He blended really well with the team, you could see the talent right from the very beginning.” For Loney, Kratt was recruited to replace key players lost the CPL draft. As a striker, with a remarkable gift, the Ravens immediately felt Kratt could make an impact in the OUA.
Kratt dribbles the ball in a match against VfB Stuttgart.
Working with the more senior Ravens throughout the pandemic, Kratt was able to continue honing his skills as he prepared for his next challenge. While it was a short stop in his soccer journey, Loney saw important developments in Kratt’s game.
“His training with us, before him leaving, definitely helped him out, it allowed him to fine-tune some of his already positive characteristics.”
Having continued to grow his game throughout the pandemic, Kratt moved forward from the Ravens but has not forgotten the team he left behind. Ever a member of the Conspiracy, Kratt continues to follow the Ravens on OUA.tv keeping in close contact with his former teammates from afar.
For Loney, while Kratt never did suit up for the Ravens, they remain proud to have been part of his journey. “We’re happy to be a part of his growth and development, that’s an indication of the kind of player we’re recruiting here and the kind of player we can help identify.”
Back along the banks of the Danube River, SSV Ulm has a tough schedule ahead after starting the season with a 1-0 victory against Bayern Munich. Thus far, Kratt has appeared in all four matches as the club has begun the season with a 2-0-2 record.
