Season Preview - Backline
8/20/2009 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 20, 2009
Ticket Information | PHOTO GALLERY
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
This is part two of a four-part series previewing the 2009 men's soccer season.
Wednesday - Goalkeepers, Overall
Today - Backline
Friday - Midfielders
Saturday - Forwards, Schedule Overview
BACKLINE
There is little doubt that the backline will be the biggest question mark for the Terps this season. After being depleted by the graduation of three-year starter Rich Costanzo and the departures of All-American Omar Gonzalez, Rodney Wallace and A.J. Delagarza to the MLS, Cirovski will rely heavily on a young, fresh crop of defenders in 2009.
The refurbished backline will, however, profit from the experience of Kevin Tangney as an anchor. Tangney has had a turbulent career with the Terps, managing to come back from two devastating knee injuries to play in his first full season in the Red and Black in 2008. His heart, desire and talent earned him co-captain status this season.
"Kevin earned the right to be co-captain, even though he hasn't been a permanent starter on our team, which speaks volumes about his character, ability and perseverance," Cirovski said. "He's an inspiration to everyone, a great competitor and going to be very valuable to our team.
"He's a great leader, a very effective communicator, and embodies his love for Maryland soccer, which spreads throughout the team."
Also looking to find their way into the mix is sophomore Alex Lee and fifth-year senior Kwame Darko. Lee, who saw playing time at striker last season, has made a smooth transition to the back and will vie for a starting position this fall. Darko, who like Tangney has been part of two national championship squads at Maryland, is a fast, athletic defender with the capability to have a breakout season in 2009.
"Alex has had a successful transition from striker to outside back and he's embraced the change since we made it last spring," Cirovski said. "He is very athletic and very competitive and will only keep getting better.
"Kwame provided some valuable relief in the backline last season and had a good spring and worked hard this summer. I'm eager to see the level he comes in with this fall. He's an extremely critical component of our team both on-and-off the field and looks to be ready for a larger role on the field this season."
Realizing the holes that needed to be filled in the backline, Cirovski and his staff hit the recruiting circuit feverishly looking for top notch defenders. Led by NSCAA All-Americans Taylor Kemp and London Woodberry, along with D.C. United U-18 Academy standout Ethan White, this year's freshman class has high hopes of helping rebuild the backline. Kemp boasted All-American status twice in his illustrious career in Mountain Vista, Colo. White and Woodberry both have experience as members of the U.S. U-18 National team pool.
"Taylor is a gifted outside back that has the makings of being one of the best outside backs in the country," Cirovski said. "He loves getting forward which is perfect for our style of play and I expect him to learn rapidly and have an impact for us this season.
"Ethan has embraced the idea of being a top notch center back. He's a very good leader and a very good athlete who has improved both technically and tactically over the last year. As he continues to improve in those areas, he will become one of the best center backs in the ACC over time.
"London possesses great physical tools and also is a tough competitor. He will compete at right back and right midfield and has unlimited potential."
Senior Greg Young, who is in his third season with the Terps after transferring from Siena, will compete for playing time as well.
"Greg is our x-factor in the backline and a couple outstanding performances in our last two spring games," Cirovski said. "Unfortunately, he's been battling the injury bug and has missed the first couple days of preseason. "
Another freshman with loads of potential is Jake Pace. Pace brings an imposing frame and a competitive edge from his prolific high school wrestling career.
"Jake is another striker in high school and club that we are looking to transition into a center back," Cirovski said. "He has all the qualities to excel in that role - he's good in the air, highly competitive and physically strong."
Redshirt freshman Tommy Schaeffler seems to have benefited from his redshirt year in 2008 and is poised to make a bid for playing time in both the backline and the midfield.
"Tommy had a couple good showings at center back last spring and he'll contend at center back," Cirovski said. "But he's a versatile guy where he can play in the defensive midfield and outside back as well."
Maryland heads to American on Saturday for a scrimmage slated for 5 p.m. in Washington D.C.
