Aug. 23, 2012

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Terps will look to a pair of seniors to lead the defense in 2012 as Taylor Kemp and London Woodberry return to the backline. Head coach Sasho Cirovski is putting an extra emphasis on giving up fewer goals this season.

"We weren't happy with our overall team defending last year," Cirovski said. "One of the key goals for this season is to become a much tougher team to score against and to become much better both individually and collectively as a team defensively."

Kemp, who was recently tabbed to the 2012 MAC Hermann Trophy List, will play a huge role in helping Maryland achieve that success defensively. He was named a captain this spring and enters his fourth year as a starter at left back.

"Taylor has played about every minute of every game since he's gotten here," Cirovski said. "He's probably the best attacking left back in the country and I know he wants to also prove he's the best defending left back this year."

Woodberry gives Maryland a big, athletic presence in the backline. The McKinney, Texas, product enjoyed his first full season as a starter last year and will be called upon to be a leader in 2012.

"London has adjusted nicely to the center back position and he was a huge presence for us last year," Cirovski said. "We are looking for him to team up with Taylor to give our back four a connected presence."

Returning defenders Widner Saint Cyr, Kyle Roach and Marquez Fernandez will battle for playing time with newcomers Mikey Ambrose and Dakota Edwards. Look for junior Helge Leikvang to possibly see some minutes on the backline as well.

"It's going to be a very big challenge for the coaching staff to make sure we put the right people at the right positions at the right time," Cirovski said.