July 13, 2011

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Incoming junior Paul Torres has decided to withdrawal from the University of Maryland to pursue professional soccer opportunities, head coach Sasho Cirovski announced Wednesday.

Torres, a midfielder from Bethesda, Md., tallied five goals and five assists in 40 games for Maryland. He started seven matches for the Atlantic Coast Conference champion Terps last season.

"A couple of weeks ago, Paul approached our coaching staff expressing a desire to pursue a professional career in soccer," Cirovski said. "While we were certainly surprised, we support Paul's passion and he has our staff's support moving forward. We would like to thank Paul for his time at Maryland and wish him luck in the future."

A former member of the D.C. United youth academy, Torres is viewed by Major League Soccer as a D.C. homegrown player. Former defender Ethan White became D.C.'s first homegrown signee directly out of the college ranks in early 2011.