Sasho's #20WinningMoments: 2008
10/19/2012 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Dec. 14, 2008
Terps Defeat UNC for Third Time, Win 2008 National Title
The Maryland men's soccer team needed to prove twice why it was the best team in the ACC and it did just that and more Sunday, defeating North Carolina, 1-0, off a game-winner from senior Graham Zusi to capture the 2008 NCAA National Championship at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
The Terps defeated North Carolina three times in a span of 37 days including a 1-0 victory in the ACC tournament, where the Terps captured the title.
Former Terrapin and current LA Galaxy defender A.J. Delagarza:
"The 2008 season was considered `The Gold Standard.' Going into the season there was so much promise, we had upperclassmen suited to be leaders, mixed with a top notch recruiting class. Everything was in line to have a successful season. The two seasons before 2008, we had been knocked out of the NCAA tournament in the Sweet 16 in double overtime with just minutes remaining.
"We started off with a 7-3 record early in the season but the loss that turned our season around was at Clemson. It was a reality check that brought our team closer. We went on to win 16 straight games eventually winning the 2008 NCAA National Championship in Frisco versus North Carolina. To win a championship and to do so against an ACC rival UNC, was a testament to how hard we had worked the entire season.
"I was a senior and leaving Maryland with two national championships. 2008 is a season and year I will personally never forget as we set records with 23 wins and 15 shutouts. I will never forget the quality players we had on our team as 11 are currently playing professionally.
"The program that Sasho has built at Maryland is considered a powerhouse. Not only on the field, but we had and still have the best fans in college soccer."
To commemorate Sasho Cirovski's 20th season as head coach at Maryland, UMTerps.com is celebrating his decorated career with a series titled "20 Winning Moments". Have a moment you think deserves to be on the list? Tweet us at @MarylandMSoccer with the hashtag #20WinningMoments.
