Maryland Terrapins
Overall Rank: #4
Conference Rank: #2 ACC
Maryland Team Page
Head coach Sasho Cirovski has made Maryland men’s soccer synonymous with winning. In his 19 previous season with the Terrapins, Coach Cirovski has brought home four ACC tournament championships, two regular season ACC titles, and two NCAA championships in 2005 and 2008. Including the two national titles, Coach Cirovski has led Maryland to the NCAA tournament an impressive 17 times and made it to the College Cup six times. Coach Cirovski’s players have made the school record books finishing the 2008 season with 23 wins and 15 shutouts which tied the shutout record. They again tied the shutout record in 2010 and in 2005 set the school record for goals with 66. Needless to say, since Maryland brought Coach Cirovski to the helm in 1993, Maryland has been a powerhouse and the 2012 season will not be any different for the Terrapins.
2011 Record: 14-4-3, 4-2-2
2011 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Sasho Cirovski
Strengths:
Even with the loss of Casey Townsend, who led the team last season with 17 goals, Maryland’s offense will not suffer. Sunny Jane and Patrick Mullins are returning to fill the forward position. Both Jane and Mullins logged minutes and goals on the pitch last season and Jane led the team with eight assists. Returning midfielder John Stertzer was able to find the net 14 times last season. The aggressive offense will be ready to play when the season starts as they showed in the spring. Coach Cirovski has also brought in a recruiting class of nine to add to the roster for the 2012 season. Most of the recruits are offensive players, which will help build an even tougher offensive line. The upper classmen will be able to help the young players to find their aggressive side.
Weaknesses:
Maryland’s defense wasn’t real strong last season but they still got the job done only allowing 22 goals during the 21 game season. They will have to beef up a little more this season and will need to do it without their starting keeper from last season. The Terrapins will have the help of Keith Cardona, who saw the pitch four games last season and tallied seven saves while allowing four goals. Maryland also has Jordan Tatum, a sophomore keeper who redshirted last season, so he was unable to gain any game experience. With most of the defense returning, Coach Cirovski only brought in one new defender and another keeper with the recruiting class. There are only five defenders and three keepers listed on the roster so Coach Cirovski will need to utilize all of them and keep them healthy throughout the season.
Final Projection:
There is no doubt that Maryland will finish this season with another winning season and will make it to the NCAA tournament. The ACC title could be theirs also, but they will have to beat out defending NCAA champs North Carolina for the crown. Virginia, Wake Forrest, and Boston College will also pose a threat in the ACC regular season and tournament play. The Terrapins will have a pair of exhibition matches prior to the regular season against Creighton and Penn State that are sure to help Maryland prep for their schedule. As long as the offense stays aggressive and the defense is utilized properly, then they will be able to produce another powerhouse team.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Tournament
Returning Leaders:
Goals: John Stertzer, Senior, MF, 14
Assists: Sunny Jane, Junior, F, 8
Shots: Patrick Mullins, Junior, Forward, 61
Saves: Keith Cardona, Sophomore, GK, 7
Madness 2013 MLS Draft Rankings:
#19 John Stertzer
Madness 2012 Men’s Soccer Recruit Rankings:
#12 Michael Ambrose
#29 Christiano Francois
#50 Dakota Edwards
#51 Dakota Niedermeier
#76 Donovan Frasier
#92 Ntokozo Tshuma
