MLS Draft on January 15th: Many Terps Looking to Get Drafted

The 2009 MLS SuperDraft will be on January 15th at 2:00 PM ET in St. Louis, and many Maryland players fresh off their national championship run are looking to get drafted, including the senior class plus some underclassmen chosen as Generation Adidas players, which means they forfeit their college eligibility so they can play in the MLS and get scholarships to college if they don't make it in the pros, as well as they don't count as being on an MLS roster. With the draft coming up in a few days, where will some of the Terps get drafted?

MLSDraft.net has done solid coverage of the upcoming draft, and is worth a look. Also check out our favorite soccer blog Pro Player Pipeline for player analysis. Predictions will be updated as they come.

Omar Gonzalez- Jr. Defender, Generation Adidas
A 6'5'' central defender that also has scoring abilities, Gonzalez is the most highly sought after back in this year's draft. He was the two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year. No doubt he will go high. ATH Prediction: 2nd or 3rd overall.
MLS Draft.net: "Gonzalez is strong, composed and just a beast in the air." Prediction: 2nd overall to Toronto FC.
UPDATE: 1/13/09: MLSDraft.net now has Gonzalez going #1 overall to the Seattle Sounders.

Jeremy Hall- Jr. Midfield/Forward, Generation Adidas
A quick player that can also play forward if necessary, Hall is a solid corner midfielder that can anchor an attacking formation. He had one of his strongest years this season, scoring 14 goals, including six game-winners. ATH Prediction: 4th-6th overall.
MLS Draft.net: "He has the speed, the size and the ability to be a force down the wings." Prediction: 5th overall to FC Dallas.
UPDATE: 1/13/09: MLSDraft.net now has Hall going #14 overall to the New York Red Bull.

Rodney Wallace- So. Midfield/Defender, Generation Adidas
A solid all-around player that can solidify a wide back position or at corner midfield, Wallace has good speed and shooting abilities. He moved to the back line in his sophomore season to help solidify Maryland's defense, but his speed could make him a better midfielder. ATH Prediction: 5th-7th overall.
MLSDraft.net: "An attacking left fullback who loves to get forward and he can help the offense out with his speed." Prediction: 7th overall to D.C. United.
UPDATE: 1/13/09: MLSDraft.net still has Wallace going #7 to D.C. United.

Graham Zusi- Sr. Midfield
Zusi saw his draft status skyrocket after getting both of Maryland's goals and subsquently game-winning goals in the College Cup. He is an all-around decent central midfielder, nothing extraordinary, but decent speed and shooting ability. Can also play forward. ATH Prediction: Middle 2nd round.
MLSDraft.net: "In a season where you could say Maryland is rebuilding, Graham Zuzi doesn’t seem to have a problem making his team tick."
UPDATE: 1/15/09: MLSDraft.net predicts Zusi will go in the 2nd round, 28th overall to the Chicago Fire.

A.J. Delagarza- Sr. Defender
Delagarza was a four-year starter at central defender for Maryland, though his small size will likely push him wide. He has decent speed, though he will need to improve to be a starter in the MLS. ATH Prediction: Middle 4th Round.
MLSDraft.net: "If he can make the transition to a full back or a defensive midfielder I can see him play in the MLS."
UPDATE 1/15/09: MLSDraft.net predicts Delagarza will go in the 2nd round, 24th overall to the New England Revolution.

For other Maryland seniors, including Rich Constanzo and Michael Marchiano, they have not entered the draft.

And for non-Terps players that play around here:
Milos Kocic- Jr. Goalkeeper (Loyola)
Kocic at 6'5'' is a tall, athletic keeper that has great speed in the cage, making solid dives into corners. Some teams may be worried about drafting him due to overall lack of competition while at Loyola, but physically he has the tools to be a solid MLS keeper. ATH Prediction: Late 3rd Round.

As the draft nears, we will update the coverage in the draft, so check back here for updates.
UPDATE: 1/15/09: Five Terps plus Kocic got drafted in the first 23 picks today in the MLS SuperDraft.
--3rd overall, Los Angeles Galaxy: Omar Gonzalez
--6th overall, D.C. United: Rodney Wallace
--11th overall, New York Red Bulls: Jeremy Hall
--19th overall, Los Angeles Galaxy: A.J. Delagarza
--21st overall, D.C. United: Milos Kocic
--23rd overall, Kansas City Wizards: Graham Zusi

Congrats to everyone here, and good luck in the MLS.

(Photo credit: Matt Slocum, AP)

Maryland Soccer Wins the National Championship!

For the second time in four years, Maryland men's soccer wins the national championship after a 1-nil victory over North Carolina in Frisco, Texas.

This was not a typical game for Maryland during the tournament, with most of the play pretty even. The Tar Heels had decent opportunities throughout, more than any other opponent the Terps had in the NCAA. After a scoreless first half, both teams were very chippy with both goalkeepers going down at least twice. In the middle of the second half, Graham Zusi took a ball off of a rebound from Jeremy Hall and fired it into the left side of the net, putting Maryland up 1-nil. Zac MacMath continued to be a wall with a great kick save towards the middle as he earned his 19th straight victory. Maryland would hold on and win the game, securing Maryland's third ever national championship.

Sasho Cirovski and the Terps cap off one of the greatest years of Maryland men's soccer, finishing at 23-3-0 including five victories in the NCAAs with a combined score of 7-1. Graham Zusi scored both winning goals in the College Cup, ending his senior career with the Offensive MVP of the tournament, while Omar Gonzalez's return home to Texas netted him the Defensive MVP.

Maryland is likely to lose some key people come next year. Seniors Graham Zusi and A.J. Delagraza will go to the MLS combine and leave along with seniors Rich Costanzo, Michael Marchiano, and Aaron Chinn. Rumor is juniors Jeremy Hall and Omar Gonzalez might also be invited to the combine and leave early, as did many other players in Maryland's past. But for now, Maryland is the national champion. Congratulations to Coach Cirovski and the Terps for their great victory.

(Photo credit: AP)

Maryland Soccer Goes to the National Championship!

After Graham Zusi's golden goal off a free kick in double overtime gave Maryland a 1-nil victory over St. John's, the Terps will now head to the championship, looking for their third national title.

Maryland had dominated most of the match, peppering the Red Storm goal with 12 shots alone in the second half, eventually outshooting St. John's 19-3. Neal Kitson was having a solid game in goal for the Red Storm with nine saves, but the constant onslaught proved to be too much.

Maryland once again had a dominating performance, but failed to put it on the scoreboard. However this has been working all tournament, as they have allowed just one goal in their four games and have yet to trail.

The third straight one goal victory for 2-seed Maryland puts them in the championship against 13-seed North Carolina. Though 1-seed Wake Forest dominated most of the game against UNC, the Tar Heels early goal in the first five minutes was enough to win 1-nil over the Deacs. Like they did in the ACC Tournament, Maryland will avoid facing the team that beat them 4-2 in College Park, and instead play a team they have defeated twice.

North Carolina has been huge all tournament, winning all four of their victories by one goal; three of them were 1-nil wins. Maryland will have their eyes on senior forward Brian Shriver, who has 14 goals on the season with five game-winners, including in UNC's upset of Wake Forest. Junior Brooks Haggerty took over recently in goal and has three shutouts in the NCAA Tournament, fending off Wake's 20 shots with seven saves.

Maryland and North Carolina have battled twice this season, with Maryland winning 2-1 in College Park and 1-nil in the ACC Tournament. North Carolina goes for their second men's soccer title to add to their 2001 championship, Maryland goes after their third championship and second in four years. The match will be in Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas on Sunday at 1:00 PM. ESPN2 will televise the game.

(Photo credit: Maryland athletics (Zusi), UNC Athletics (Shriver)

Maryland Soccer Takes On St. John's in the College Cup

After a two-year hiatus, 2-seed Maryland has returned to the College Cup with a 1-nil victory over Creighton. Rodney Wallace scored the lone goal in the dominating contest.

Now Maryland will leave the safety of Ludwig Field for Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas for their semifinal matchup against the St. John's Red Storm on Friday. The winner moves on to the championship against the winner of Wake Forest-North Carolina. That's right, three ACC teams are in Frisco for the College Cup.

So far in the tournament, Maryland has dominated in their three contests despite the scores. Most of the time they play very solid soccer for at least 70 minutes, but they still have trouble putting opponents away. Their last two games were wins by one goal.

Their opponent is the 3-seed St. John's Red Storm, with a 19-2-3 record. In 2006 these two tangoed in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. Maryland won with a strong first half, winning 2-nil, the last of three straight wins over St. John's in the NCAA Tournament.

The Red Storm has certainly been tested in this tournament. All three of their wins are by one goal, the last two being come from behind victories. Their last contest against Indiana had St. John's down 2-nil with nine minutes to go, but the Red Storm roared back to win 3-2 in overtime, capped by a penalty kick goal by junior Big East midfielder of the year Nelson Becerra (pictured), who has five game-winning goals this season. But their defense is lockdown, only 0.47 goals per game by their redshirt senior goalie Neal Kitson. Other than their NCAA Tournament wins, they also have defeated Virginia, Connecticut, and South Florida. They were the runner-up in the Big East championship, losing in a rematch against USF.

Maryland has two titles from 1968 and 2005, St. John's is still looking for their first. A battle of titans commences in Frisco, Texas, on Friday on ESPNU at 8:00 PM. One red team will advance, one heads home.

(Photo credit: Maryland athletics, St. John's athletics)

Maryland News of the Weekend

While the Ravens were preparing for the Battle of the Beltway, a lot happened within the confines of College Park. Let's get everyone up to speed.

Maryland defeats Creighton, moves on to College Cup

The score may be 1-nil, but it was the most dominating 1-nil victory you will see in a long time. Rodney Wallace scored the lone goal from Michael Marchiano. The Creighton coach even said this was the best team performance he had seen in a decade against his team. With Maryland's victory, they head to Texas for their first College Cup since 2005, the year they won the title. They will face St. John's, a team that came back from down 2-nil against Indiana with nine minutes to go to win in overtime 3-2. Check out Shine Sliently, one of our favorite blogs, for a recap of the game.

Maryland accepts bid to the Humanitarian Bowl

Maryland will head to Boise for the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl on December 30th. Though some might have preferred the EagleBank Bowl, Maryland did not want to disrupt exams, but it will cost them a decent recruiting area and a lot of fans. They will face 7-5 Nevada from the WAC, a team that has won three of their last four games. This will be the sixth Maryland bowl in eight years.

Chris Cosh leaves UMD, now assistant head coach of Kansas State

Maryland's defensive coordinator has left College Park and will return to Kansas State to become the assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator for Bill Snyder. Cosh was the defensive coordinator for Maryland the past three seasons and will not go to Boise for the Terps's bowl. At times he was solid, including holding off the Clemson offense in the second half to give Maryland a chance, but other he looked terrible, like the 31-point loss to Virginia. But nonetheless, we at Maryland wish him good luck at Kansas State.

(Photo credit: Maryland athletics (soccer), Washington Post (Cosh))

Maryland soccer faces Creighton in the NCAA Quarterfinals

Its been a while since we checked on the soccer scene. Maryland's 2-1 win over California has advanced the Terps to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning the national championship in 2005. Loyola however fell 2-1 to the surging UNC Greensburo, ending their season by losing their last two games after a perfect regular season.

For Maryland, 7-seed Creighton travels to Ludwig Field on Saturday at 1:00 PM. The winner will be the first team that heads to Frisco for the Final Four.

Maryland has played very solid soccer and has won their last 13 contests after naming Zac MacMath the starting goalkeeper. In only two of those games has Maryland scored more than two goals, so credit to their victories goes to MacMath and the dominating backline with Omar Gonzalez and A.J. Delagarza. Maryland often scores a goal very quick in games then controls the midfield to win.

Sasho Cirovski has done a great job leading this team this far. Getting freshmen Casey Townsend, Matt Kassel, and Zac MacMath to be integral parts of an experienced team plus bringing back Jason Herrick and moving Graham Zusi to midfield after three years as a forward has been great for this team.

This contest will be the hardest one yet for Maryland. Creighton, champion of the Missouri Valley Conference, has only lost one game, back on September 13th. Last year's MVC champion, Bradley, knocked Maryland out of the NCAA Tournament in the round of 16. Creighton did not have the hardest of schedules, but they did defeat California on the road and have won two close contests in the NCAA.

The Creighton Bluejays are an aggressive team, with 37 yellow cards on the year, Greg Jordan accounting for nine of them. Senior midfielder Andrei Gotsmanov, a St. John's transfer, is their leading scorer with 10 goals, also amassing six yellow cards on the year. In goal is redshirt freshman Brian Holt, and despite that he is only 5'8'', he has only allowed 0.49 goals per game, including 12 shutouts.

This will be a difficult matchup for the Terps, but a victory here will send them to Texas for the Final Four. You can listen in to the game on WMUC at http://www.wmucsports.com/sports-high.m3u.

(Photo credits: Maryland athletics (Gonzalez), ESPN soccer (Cirovski), Creighton athletics (Gotsmanov))

Soccer Outlook: Maryland Wins ACC, Loyola Loses First Game, NCAA Selection Tomorrow

Quite the weekend for soccer teams in the Old Line State.

#5 Maryland won their third ACC Championship with a 1-nil victory over Virginia on Sunday. The Terps played as the 2-seed and expected to take on 1-seed Wake Forest, but the Deacs lost their first every games to the Cavaliers in the semifinals. The lone goal was scored by Jeremy Hall in the first two minutes, and goalie Zac MacMath did not allow a goal in all three games. With their three wins this week, Maryland may break the top-3 in the rankings.


Meanwhile, #6 Loyola lost their first game of the season, losing 1-nil to Fairfield in the MAAC Championship. The Stags scored in the 26th minute, and despite the Greyhounds pressuring in the second half, they were unable to get the equalizer.

So with the selection show today, how do the state's teams fare? 48 teams make the NCAA Tournament, including 22 automatic qualifiers from conference champions and 26 at-large bids. The top-16 teams are seeded and receive a first-round bye, while the bottom 32 must play.

I will be mentioning some possible teams in the DC/Northern Virginia area as well. In this tournament and in the current economy, many of the early matchups are localized. Last season, Maryland and Loyola met up in the Round of 32. So, chances are teams close by will play each other in the first couple rounds. Until the Final Four, games are played at campus sites hosted by the higher seed in each contest.

Maryland Terrapins (#5, 18-3-0, 6-2-0 ACC, ACC Champion AQ)
--Key wins: UCLA, North Carolina (twice), Virginia (twice), Boston College (twice)
The ACC has won two of the last three national championships, Maryland winning in 2005. Because of automatic qualifier rules, the Terps are already in the tournament, though that was not an issue anyway. With the conference victory, a top-4 seed will almost certainly be given to Maryland. This will mean the Terps can play at home until the Final Four, a huge advantage.

Loyola Greyhounds (#6, 18-1-1, 9-0 MAAC, MAAC runner-up)
--Key win: Campbell
Loyola is going to be hard to predict. On the one hand, they had an undefeated regular season record. On the other, they had a very easy strength of schedule and did not win the conference championship. They played nobody currently ranked; Campbell had 2 votes in the last poll (#25 Butler had 52, to compare). Based on last season, I believe they will get one of the 16 seeds, but not a top-8 seed. Coach Mettrick has Milos Kocic one more year if he decides to stay; he needs to get harder teams on the schedule next season.

Georgetown Hoyas (11-5-3, 5-3-3 Big East)
The Hoyas have had a good season, led by the senior forward Peter Grasso with seven goals. They don't have a win against a ranked team and were ranked themselves earlier in the season, but they have played close against other ranked teams including Connecticut, Notre Dame, and South Florida. The problem is, normally wins are all that matters to the committee. If the Hoyas make it, they will likely play a first round game on the road, but their record should be enough to get them in.

George Mason Patriots (13-6-2, 6-4-1 CAA, CAA Champion AQ)
--Key win: Tulsa
The Patriots will head to the NCAA after winning the crazy CAA championship, the last of seven straight victories. Led by senior forward Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe, who has nine goals and six assists, GM had very few big name teams on the schedule, but they had a big upset win of Tulsa, currently #7 in the country. With that win and their current winning streak, they could get a first round game at home, but they will play in the first round.

After Maryland, Loyola, and George Mason, only Georgetown has the opportunity to make the tournament in the local area. The selection comes out tonight from the NCAA.

(Photo credit: Maryland athletics (ACC trophy), Loyola athletics (Kocic))

#2 Terps Men's Soccer Takes Aim at #1 Wake Forest

A battle for #1 in the nation will commence at Ludwig Field on Friday night. The #2 Maryland Terrapins take on the defending national champion #1 Wake Forest. This game is bound to be great.

Maryland has had a tremendous start. Now armed with go-to strikers redshirt sophomore Jason Herrick and freshman Casey Townsend (four goals), Maryland has seen a lot more success out of the gate than last year. Junior defender Omar Gonzalez has been great on defense and has three goals, and senior midfielder Graham Zusi (pictured) scored the goal-winner against Boston College. Thanks to solid all-around play, Maryland sits at 6-1-0, winning their last five at home and 2-0 in the ACC. Maryland has outscored their opponents 15-3 and has defeated three-then ranked teams: UCLA, Boston College, and Duke.


Wake Forest so far is defending its title well, being the only team left in Division I that was won every game, sitting at 6-0-0, with two wins against then-ranked teams: UCLA and UC Santa Barbara. Senior striker Marcus Tracy (pictured), the College Cup MVP, has been stellar in his final season, notching six goals and three assists, including three game-winners. Top to bottom this team is solid, including Baltimore native Akita Fitzgerald who has five shutouts and has only allowed three goals in his seven games between the pipes. Wake Forest has outscored their opponents 21-3.

This is a classic ACC battle, two very evenly matched teams will take the field. Maryland's all-around talented squad will have the home field and 6,500 fan advantage whereas Wake Forest has the experience of big games and the reputation to win. We may not get a winner, we may not get a glimpse of what the better team is after the game. But one thing is for sure. A #1 vs. #2 matchup will commence, and both teams will be ready to fight for it all.

You can listen to the game on WMUC Sports at 8:00 PM on Friday, or if you have cable you can watch it on Fox Soccer Channel. You don't want to miss this game.

(Photo credits: Maryland athletics (Zusi), ESPN (Tracy))

Most Impressive Terps Win This Season?

Maryland Athletics puts up poll every now and then asking a question of their fans, like most do. I personally enjoy questions like who has the best chance to win a national title, because most casual sports fans don't know anything about collegiate sports other than football and basketball, so they'll get the most votes even if the college has no shot at getting them.

But, the poll question that Maryland has put up: What is the most impressive Terps win in the 2008 Fall season so far? Your choices:
--Football's 35-27 win over #23 California
--Men's Soccer's 2-1 OT win at #14 UCLA
--Men's Soccer's 1-0 win over #9 Boston College
--Field Hockey's 8-1 win over #8 Old Dominion
--Field Hockey's 5-1 win at #9 Michigan

Now, in some ways, this is an unfair question. Obviously most people care about football and so that will win the poll. Also keep in mind Maryland men's soccer and field hockey are currently in the top-4 of their respective sport, while Maryland football is unranked. But, let's break this down.

First off, I'm removing two choices from the list, the men's soccer win over UCLA and the field hockey win over Old Dominion. UCLA, though historically very good at men's soccer, has fallen out of the rankings since Maryland's win, only receiving one vote in the last coaches poll. Currently they are 1-3-1, and Maryland may have gotten lucky with a goal in the last minute of regulation. And for field hockey, I'm removing the Old Dominion game because half of the Terps goals were scored in the final 11 minutes, and I feel an away win at Michigan is a better win than a home victory against Old Dominion.

Now, that said, I'm now removing field hockey's Michigan victory off the list. As great a victory this was, if I'm comparing it to the men's soccer victory over Boston College, I have to give the edge to the BC win. Maryland was expected to win handily over Michigan; not the case with BC. BC has had Maryland's number in the regular season the past two years, with stunning upsets of two goals each time. The Terps may have been favored, but field hockey was supposed to win easily over Michigan. Despite that soccer was a home game, I edge this one to men's soccer. Each time the Terps have beaten BC in the last two years, the lone goal was scored by Graham Zusi (pictured).

But when it comes down to it, the football victory is the right answer. Maryland football was expected to lose, and not only did they win, they were up 28-6 with seven minutes left in the 4th quarter. Men's soccer is a top-5 team, football isn't ranked and lost to Middle Tennessee State. The whole of the victory was extremely important to the season.

So even though the poll may be skewed because it is football, it is correct. Maryland football's win over California is the right answer as the most impressive in the 2008 Fall Season.

(Photo credit: Maryland athletics)

2008 NCAA Men's Soccer Preview

The 2008 NCAA men's soccer season is about to kick off next weekend, and the state of Maryland has some solid teams in the mix. Maryland and Loyola look to head back to the NCAA Tournament while a few others try get in after missing it last year. Let's preview the top-5 teams in the Old Line State.


Maryland Terrapins (#3 in College Soccer News)

-Last season: 10-6-5, fell in round of 16 to Bradley 3-2, 2OT

-Formation: 4-4-2, diamond midfield (Joe Mauceri, College Soccer News)

-Starters returning: 9

-Key loss: Stephen King (four-year starting midfield, 2 G, 13 A)

-Head Coach: Sasho Cirovski (15th season)

The 2005 national champion had yet another heartbreaking loss in the round of 16, losing to Bradley 3-2 in double overtime after being up 2-0 with less than three minutes to go. Now with the #1 recruiting class in the nation with only two starters lost, the ACC powerhouse looks to make a title run.

Strengths

-Depth: Maryland lost only two starters and gains three of the top-10 recruits in the country. Add that redshirt sophomore Jason Herrick and sophomore Kevin Tangney are returning from injury, this Terps team is full of talent.

-The Back Line: Despite the loss of four-year starter Stephen King, Maryland brings back three back line two-year starters, pre-season All-American junior Omar Gonzalez (pictured), senior Rich Costanzo, and senior A.J. Delagarza. Sean Flatley has also shown promise as a defender.

Weaknesses

-Goalie: Will Swaim was the reason Maryland lost to Bradley in the NCAAs last season, allowing two goals in the final three minutes of regulation. The top goalkeeping prospect in the country, Zac MacMath, is in Maryland, but a lot of questions come between the pipes for the Terps.

-Go-to scorer: The primary problem last season for the Terps. Senior attack Graham Zusi (6 G, 6 A) and sophomore midfielder Rodney Wallace (6, 1) will need to step up with Herrick to score goals. Depth isn't an issue, but Maryland needs a solid scorer for difficult matches.

Loyola Greyhounds (#28 in College Soccer News)

-Last season: 19-3-1, MAAC Champion, fell in round of 32 to Maryland, 0-0 (4-2 PK)

-Formation: 3-5-2

-Starters returning: 8

-Key loss: Julian Cantillo (two-year starting midfield, 9 assists)

-Head Coach: Mark Mettrick (8th season)

The Greyhounds had the advantage in penalty kicks vs. Maryland in the NCAAs, but couldn't seal the deal. This deadly defensive squad with solid international players may be ranked only #28, but they look to show the soccer world what a shut-down defense can do.

Strengths

-Defense: Junior Milos Kocic (pictured) could be the best goalie in the country. With junior defender Tennent McVea, who with Kocic is on the Hermann Trophy Watch List, Loyola had 17 shutouts last season, including 14 of their final 15 contests. Kocic allowed only 0.47 goals per game last year.

-Shooting: The two English sophomores Phil Bannister and Eddie Dines combined for 22 goals last season. With Kocic's cannon leg and their speed, counters and fast breaks are a strong strategy for the Greyhounds.

Weaknesses

-Strength of Schedule: Loyola isn't playing anyone in CSN's preseason top-30. While this could change depend on changes in that top-30, this isn't going to help the Greyhounds. They will need to be solid nearly every game and/or win the tournament to gain favor with the NCAA committee.

-Midfield play: Because Loyola plays quick strike offense, other midfielders can gain an advantage by slowing it down in the middle. With Cantillo graduated, Dines and company will need to step up play or allow other teams numerous shots from the midfield.

Towson Tigers

-Last season: 12-7-2

-Formation: likely 4-4-1-1 (Joe Mauceri, College Soccer News)

-Starters returning: 6 (only nine full-time starters last season)

-Key losses: Bill Chiles (goalie, 1.00 GAA), Pat Healey (midfield, 8 goals, 9 assists)

-Head Coach: Frank Olszewski (26th season)

Towson was very close to making the NCAA Tournament, losing in PKs to Old Dominion in the CAA Championship. The Tigers will have to deal with big losses, including their All-American goalie and leading scorer, but they have a number of players with experience. Maryland transfer Matt Beckman and senior Cesar Cisneros both scored five goals last season and upstart sophomore Scott Horta will lead the defense.

UMBC Retrievers

-Last season: 8-7-5

-Formation: 4-4-2

-Starters returning: 8

-Key losses: Bryan Moffa (defender, 5 assists), Philippe Bissohong (defender)

-Head Coach: Pete Caringi (18th season)

Despite a solid 8-4-3 start, UMBC couldn't win its last five contests, keeping them away from the NCAAs. Senior Steve King only allowed 0.72 per game, but UMBC will need to replace its two solid defenders they lost in graduation. All four players who scored at least three goals last season, including senior Kevin Gnatiko (4 goals, 4 assists) and junior Andrew Gillis (5,2) return.

Navy Midshipmen

-Last season: 7-8-2

-Formation: 4-4-2

-Starters returning: 3

-Key losses: two goalkeepers, Doug DeVueno (forward, 4 goals)

-Head Coach: Rich Miranda (4th season)

Despite a win against ranked-West Virginia, an 0-7 conference record kept Navy out of contention for the NCAAs. A major rebuilding effort will be needed with only three starting returning. But the Mids do return two of their offensive catalysts, senior forward Adam Pennington (4 goals) and junior midfield Mark Garcia (1 goal, 5 assists).

You can check out the College Soccer News preseason top-30 and mini-previews of those teams here.

(Photo credits: University of Maryland (Gonzalez), Loyola College (Kocic)