Dec. 18, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Junior midfielder Maurice Edu, one of the most gifted players in Maryland soccer history, has announced he will forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility to pursue a professional soccer career.
A first-team NSCAA All-American and Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2006, the 6-0, 170-pound Edu was a 55-game starter over the past three seasons, helping the Terps to a national championship in 2005, an NCAA semifinal appearance in 2004 and an appearance in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen this past season. All told, the Terps were 52-15-5 during his three seasons in a Terrapin uniform.
Considered the college game's premier defensive midfielder, Edu also was dangerous and effective in attack, totaling 10 goals and 11 assists during his career. This past season, he came up with important goals when Maryland needed them most, recording game-winning goals in victories against Loyola, Hartwick, Virginia Tech and Duke.
"Maurice Edu is an extremely special young man," said Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski, who recruited Edu out of Fontana, Calif. "The level of interest in his ability from both Major League Soccer and European teams has become extremely intense. After three weeks of careful consideration, Maurice has decided to enter the professional ranks. He has both the physical and mental capacities to not only become a great pro but a full U.S. National Team member in the future.
"He has served our program and the athletics department in exemplary and honorable fashion for three years," Cirovski continued. "I am extremely proud of his development. Though it is a significant loss to our team, I speak for the entire Maryland soccer family when I say we wish him well."
Said Edu, "This was the hardest decision of my life. I love everything about the Maryland soccer program. I made friends for life here and I have had the time of my life. Though it was a painful decision, I know that I am ready to accept the challenge of the professional soccer world. I am hopeful to continue the legacy of many great Maryland players ahead of me, and I promise all the Maryland fans that I will make them proud. I've also made a promise to my family and Sasho that I will complete my degree in the next 2 ½ years (Edu was on pace to earn a degree in business in 3 ½ years)."
