For five years running, the Atlantic Coast Conference has had at least two teams in the NCAA men’s soccer College Cup — a.k.a. Final Four. What then, to make of three this season?
“It’s a great testament to the quality and depth of the league,” said Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski, who has the Terrapins (21-3) back for the first time since their 2005 championship. This year they’ve set a program record for victories, have won 14 games in a row, including the ACC title, and have given up just one goal in six postseason matches. Juniors Omar Gonzalez and Jeremy Hall (14 goals) and senior Graham Zusi headline Maryland’s list of multiple players that could turn pro this winter.
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Of course, they’re still only the No. 2 seed.
“For being a team that’s been in the top four or five all year, we’ve taken great solace in the fact that all the discussion has been about Wake [Forest],” said Cirovski. “We’ve ridden under the radar as much as you can being a two seed. But people respect what we’ve done, and we’re still a big target in everybody’s mind.”
For all the Terps have achieved, there’s no disputing that the top-seeded Demon Deacons (21-1-1) are favorites. The defending national champions, who beat the Terps, 4-2, on Sept. 26 in College Park and average 3.5 goals per game — including 12 in their last two — are making their third straight Final Four appearance and have been called one of the best college teams ever.
Evidence? Seniors Marcus Tracy (13 goals, 10 assists), Sam Cronin (10 goals), and Michael Lahoud, Lyle Adams and Jamie Franks (11 assists) will all get drafted if they choose to play in Major League Soccer. Junior Cody Arnoux (17 goals) and sophomore Corben Bone (seven goals, 17 assists) are also highly rated, should they decide to come out.
“We’re confident for sure,” said Cronin. “Based on the experiences we’ve had with going to final fours and going to Brazil this past summer, our program has grown tremendously since I’ve been here.”
“Wake has kept their players in school,” said Cirovski. “It reminds me of our four-year run [2002-05] when we only had one player that had gone into the pros. It’s crucial to have juniors and seniors on your squad.”
Men’s soccer championship
Where » Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, Tex.
When » Friday
» No. 13 North Carolina (14-7-1)
vs. No. 2 Wake Forest (21-1-1), 5:30, ESPN2
» No. 2 Maryland (21-3)
vs. No. 3 St. John’s (19-2-3), 8, ESPNU
