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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Seth Stammler is voted the 2010 MLS Humanitarian of the Year, one of the best hangs up his boots, Clarence Goodson finds a new home, and a pair of former Terps leads the LA Galaxy in this alumni update.
Former Terp Stammler awarded MLS Humanitarian of the Year
Former Maryland men's soccer player Seth Stammler was named the 2010 W.O.R.K.S. MLS Humanitarian of the Year by Major League Soccer, as announced earlier this month. The 2005 graduate and current central midfielder for the New York Red Bulls is recognized most notably for his philanthropic work in Haiti.
Following a six-day trip to Haiti with Grammy winner Wyclef Jean and then-teammates Jerrod Laventure and Jozy Altidore, Stammler was inspired to create the Sporting Chance Foundation. From the outset, Stammler created the foundation to be based on two initiatives that will better the lives of Haitians: providing education to Haitian children and allowing for easier access to safe drinking water.
Stammler's initiatives have become reality as Sporting Chance routinely provides scholarships to Haitian children who would otherwise be unable to afford attending private school. Upon return to Haiti last December, Stammler also witnessed firsthand the opening of a well in Cite Plus which provides drinking water to over 9,000 Haitians daily.
Set to retire at the conclusion of the 2010 MLS season, Stammler looks to continue his philanthropic work as he also recently organized the Cash for Work Program. The program has successfully provided jobs to local Haitians who have contributed to cleaning up Haiti after the devastating earthquake in January.
Stammler is the first Terrapin to receive the prestigious award and his charity, Sporting Chance Foundation, will receive a $5000 donation from the MLS. The Maryland men's soccer program has also rallied around the cause, with a large sign lining Ludwig Field and the proceeds of t-shirts sold following the devastating earthquake heading directly to Stammler's foundation. For more information on the Sporting Chance Foundation and how you can help, please click on the link above.
Gonzalez and Delagarza advance LA Galaxy to Western Finals
Former Maryland men's soccer defenders Omar Gonzalez and AJ Delagarza helped propel the LA Galaxy to the Western Conference Championship before ultimately falling to FC Dallas Sunday.
Gonzalez headed home the game-winner in the 27th minute off of a free kick against the Seattle Sounders from the magical boot of David Beckham making the score 2-0 in the second leg of a two-game aggregate Western Conference Semifinal series Nov. 7.
The goal extended the aggregate score to an almost insurmountable 3-0 lead for the Galaxy after they had beaten the Sounders 1-0 in the first leg. The Galaxy went on to win the aggregate series 3-1 due, in part, to strong defending from both Gonzalez and Delagarza on the backline.
Twellman Retires
Former Maryland All-American Taylor Twellman announced his retirement from professional soccer earlier this month. Twellman leaves the game after nine seasons with the New England Revolution due to medical issues.
The 2005 MLS Most Valuable Player scored 101 career goals in 174 career appearances since joining MLS in 2002. He was also a two-time MLS Best XI performer (2002, 2005) and a five-time MLS All-Star. Twellman has been limited to just two appearances in the last two seasons, and was unable to play at all in 2010 because of his ongoing medical concerns stemming from an on-field collision while scoring a goal in a game against the LA Galaxy on Aug. 30, 2008.
A gutsy center forward, Twellman scored 28 goals and tacked on 17 assists at Maryland before beginning his professional career in Germany. He was tabbed Soccer America National Freshman of the Year as well as being named an NSCAA as a sophomore.
"He is one of the greatest competitors I've ever had the pleasure of coaching," Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "He's always a bundle of energy and positivity on the field. His competitiveness and will to win games is almost unparalleled. I wish I could have coached him longer. In addition to that, he's just a fantastic person. I cherish my relationship with him and will miss watching him play for the Revolution and our national team."
Twellman closed his playing career as the Revolution's all-time leader in 11 categories, including goals (101), game-winning goals (28), hat tricks (3), multiple-goal games (16) and goals per game average (0.58).
Goodson signs with Danish club Brondby
Clarence Goodson will be taking his talents elsewhere in Europe as the former Terrapin defender has signed a three year contract with the Danish Club Brondby.
Goodson played his last three seasons with the Norwegian club IK Start and scored 10 goals in 66 games with the squad.
The Virginia native, now 28, is set to start with the Copenhagen club in January. Brondby is third in the Danish league with 22 points.
Goodson gained valuable experience with the U.S. National soccer team as a member of the 2010 World Cup team in South Africa.
