Men's Soccer Sign's Six
2/5/2004 7:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Feb. 5, 2004
College Park, Md. - Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski has announced the signing of six high school seniors to National Letters of Intent to play soccer for the Terrapins beginning in the 2004-05 school year.
Giving the coach signatures are Spencer Darman Allen (Washington D.C.), Eric Brunner (Columbus, Ohio), Stephen King (Medford, N.J.), Akihiro (Aki) Kadotani (Alexandria, Va.), Kevin Reiman (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) and Keith Vereb (Bowie, Md.).
"It is extremely difficult to try and replace the quality of seniors and (the early departure of) Clarence Goodson," Cirovski said. "However, I feel we have filled every hole with the combination of this class and our returning players.
"This incoming class has three things in common: great character, intelligent soccer minds and tremendous competitiveness. I can't wait to blend this class into our team. I believe there will be a seamless transition which should allow us to continue to compete at the highest level nationally."
Darman Allen, a 5-7, 140 pound midfielder, was a team captain for the powerful DC United Youth team. He also was a standout on the highly-regarded Reston FC85 club team, in which he also served as captain.
"Spencer is a skillful player with a great engine and feel for the game," Cirovski said. "He is a cross between Michael Dello-Russo and Scott Buete. He is a relative unknown on the national scene but has a chance to become one of our more influential players during his four years."
Brunner is a 6-4, 165 pound defender out of Columbus, Ohio. He played for the Region II ODP team from 2000-04, serving as the team captain the last two years. Brunner was a 2003 NSCAA Youth All-American and a member of the 2003 Inter-Regional ODP All-Star team. He was also named his conference's player of the year in high school. Brunner was also a standout on one of the top club team's in the Midwest, the Ohio Thunder.
"Eric is a very good, tall and wiry defender that has great feet and reads the game exceptionally well - built in the same mold as Clarence Goodson," Cirovski said. "He is a force in the air and will work to provide an immediate impact on the back line."
King is a highly-touted midfielder out of Medford, N.J. Standing 5-9 and 155 pounds, he was an NSCAA and USYSA All-American in 2003. King was named the New Jersey state Player of the Year after leading Shawnee High to a state title in 2003. In addition to his high school success, he also played for the nationally-prominent FC Delco Club Team and participated in the 2003 adidas/ESP All-Star game.
"Stephen is an out-and-out winner and a very polished player," Cirovski said. "Every team he plays on wins championships because he has the ability to make players around him better. His humility is only surpassed by his skill and passion for being a team player. He has a great soccer mind and feel for the game, and we think he can have an immediate impact in our midfield."
Kadotani, a versatile 5-11, 160 pound player, moved to the United States from Japan three years ago. He made the USL Super Y League Regional ODP team and played for the DC United Youth team. He also played club soccer for the perennially strong Gunston Team America out of Northern Virginia.
"Aki is the true sleeper in this class," Cirovski said. "He has fluid skill, balance and dexterity with the ball at his feet. Once Aki settles into our team, he will flourish. His versatility is one of his biggest strengths."
Reiman, a 5-8, 145 pound midfielder/forward, was a four-year starter for the Region I ODP team. He participated in the ODP Inter-Regional All-Star Game in 2002 and played in the in the adidas/ESP All-Star Game in 2003. He is a two-time NSCAA Youth All-American.
"Kevin is the most electric player in this class - being a cross between Scott Buete and Nino Marcantonio," Cirovski said. "He has a very skillful left foot, is great running at people and is also a terrific passer. He will be a fun player for our fans to watch."
Vereb is a highly-touted player out of Bowie, Md., who helped lead DeMatha to the WCAC title in 2003. He was the Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year and NSCAA All-American. The 6-2, 175 pound defender also played on the DC United Youth Team. Vereb also played in the Inter-Regional ODP All-Star game and was team captain for the Region I ODP team in 2002.
"Keith possesses a tremendously high level of concentration and is one of the most competitive young men in the nation," Cirovski said. "He is the epitome of our motto here at Maryland of 'playing every play.' He has a cultured left foot and is a force in the air. He will compete for time on the back line right away.
