Jan. 25, 2011
NEW YORK -
Matt Kassel is the latest Terrapin to sign a Major League Soccer contract, inking a Homegrown deal with Red Bull New York, the club announced Tuesday.
Kassel, a junior midfielder from Bridgewater, N.J., was a three-year starter for Maryland, which advanced to three consecutive NCAA Quarterfinals, including a run to the program's third national championship in 2008. He had a breakout season in 2010, leading the team in assists (11) and points (29) while helping guide the Terps to their second Atlantic Coast Conference title in three years.
The two-way central midfielder was tabbed an NSCAA First Team All-American and also earned national honors from TopDrawerSoccer.com and College Soccer News. The All-ACC First Team selection concluded his career as a Terrapin with 11 goals, 24 assists and five game-winners, including three in 2010.
"Matt has been a tremendous player for us for three seasons and while we are sad to see him go, we are incredibly happy and excited for him to begin the newest chapter of what we believe will be a long and successful professional soccer career," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "Matt will be a fantastic addition to the Red Bulls and on behalf of Terrapin nation, we wish him nothing but the very best."
Kassel joins Ethan White as Homegrown products signed by MLS squads this offseason. Zac MacMath, Billy Cortes and Jason Herrick were all selected in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft earlier this month.
"I would like to thank the University of Maryland, Coach Cirovski and his staff for making my time here with the Terps an unbelievable experience," Kassel said. "In my three years here, every aspect of my playing career has flourished in a soccer environment that has made Maryland the best program in the country.
"Coach Cirovski has been great and I wish him and the soccer program here much continued success as I move on in my pursuit of a professional career with the Red Bulls in MLS."
New York went an Eastern Conference-best 15-9-6 in the regular season in 2010.
