CollegeSoccerTalk.com

      2008 was the year of the Terp or was it the year of the Rat? Either way it was a solid year for the UM soccer program and it’s third NCAA title. The program that has produced recognized talents such as Taylor Twellman, Robbie Rogers and Maurice Edu, is now introducing a new generation of pros with names like Omar Gonzalez (L.A. Galaxy), Jeremy Hall (Red Bull NY), A.J. DeLaGarza (L.A. Galaxy) and Graham Zusi (KC Wizards).

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski led the red, white and gold Terps in a year that started off on a slow note (1 win in the first 3 games) to their first National Championship since 2005. In his sixteen seasons at the helm, Sasho has created a national powerhouse with two NCAA Titles, five College Cup appearances and two ACC Titles.

The UM attack was led by team MVP, Jeremy Hall, who compiled 14 goals and 7 assists in 26 games played. Jeremy was a force to be reckoned with throughout the season and was awarded with a 2nd round selection in the 2009 MLS Superdraft by Redbull NY.

Two other players featured prominently on the championship run were defenders Omar Gonzalez and A.J. DeLaGarza. Two men of completely different stature with Gonzalez a towering 6′5″ tall and DeLaGarza measuring in at a generous 5′8″, anchored a Terrapin defense that posted nine shutouts during the regular season and only allowed one goal in the College Cup tournament. Both players, coincidentally, will continue their playing careers at the MLS level, as both were selected by the Los Angeles Galaxy to improve on one of the weakes defenses in the league in 2008.

UM’s run through the 2008 College Cup was impressive, even though they received a real scare in the semis when they went to double OT against St. John’s. Coach Cirovski’s exhausted team then repeated their ACC tournament result with a 1-0 victory over rival North Carolina.

2009 should be a reloading year for the Terps rather than a rebuilding year, even though they lost some very talented players in key positions. A solid recruiting class and highly-skilled underclassmen should provide for another exciting season of soccer at College Park.