Less than two weeks before the first game of the season, Maryland sophomore midfielder Robbie Rogers has left the defending national champion Terrapins to sign with Dutch first division club SC Heerenveen.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that came suddenly,” said Rogers. “However, I feel that I am ready to make soccer my career, and this was an opportunity I could not pass up.”
Rogers, originally from Southern California, started 20 of 22 matches as a freshman, notching seven goals and five assists. He was a two-time Parade All-American in high school.
“This is a substantial contract with a club in the top league in Holland,” said Terrapins coach Sasho Cirovski. “Although losing Robbie at this point in time is significant for us because of his special qualities as a player and as a person, I am extremely happy to see him fulfill his boyhood dream.”
