Terps Ink Seven to 2017 Signing Class
3/21/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Head coach Sasho Cirovski has announced the signing of seven players to compete for the Maryland men's soccer team for the 2017 campaign.
“"We are very excited to welcome another great class to Maryland Soccer," Cirovski said. "We have added great young men with both high character and soccer pedigree. Even though we lost some outstanding talent in the back, we feel that we have improved our overall team.
"When you combine this talented group along with the returning players, you can't help but get excited that we are poised for another terrific season in College Park!"
The Terps' most recent class has serious local flavor as the group includes six players from Maryland, Virginia or Washington D.C. The class was ranked No. 10 by Top Drawer Soccer and No. 12 by College Soccer News.
Before Maryland: Played one year at Belmont University in Nashville, earning Horizon League All-Freshman honors for the Bruins…tallied one goal and two assists on the year while leading the team in shots...played high school soccer at Gahanna Lincoln and also suited up for the Columbus Crew SC Academy.
Personal: Eli Crognale was born Dec. 12, 1997…son of Corey and Karen…has two brothers, Alex and Ben… Alex was an All-American defender at Maryland and is currently playing for the Columbus Crew while Ben played college soccer at Loyola (Chicago)…father, Corey, played baseball at Marietta College…major is Business
Cirovski on Crognale: "Eli is a bonus addition to this class. He had a great freshman season at Belmont and after looking at some options to transfer, it became obvious to all of us, that he belonged at Maryland. He has great feet, terrific balance and a very good soccer mind."
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Before Maryland: Four-year starter for Bethesda Academy…helped lead team to playoffs his freshman and sophomore years…participant in U.S. Soccer regional training centers.
Personal: Ben Di Rosa was born August 10, 1998… son of Paolo and Anne Di Rosa… twin brother, Matt, is also joining Maryland in the fall… favorite sports hero is John Wall… came to Maryland for the soccer program and it is close to home… hobbies include watching sports and playing basketball… major is Government and Politics.
Cirovski on Di Rosa: "Ben is a skillful, hardworking and highly committed right back. He has good feet and fits into our attacking style but it's his pride in defending that excites us."
Before Maryland: Four-year starter for Bethesda Academy…helped lead team to playoffs his freshman and sophomore years…participant in U.S. Soccer regional training centers...ranked No. 130 by College Soccer News and No. 148 by Top Drawer Soccer.
Personal: Matt Di Rosa was born August 10, 1998… son of Paolo and Anne Di Rosa… twin brother, Ben, is also joining Maryland in the fall… before every game Matt listens to music and watches highlights… biggest sports thrill is winning games… if he could play any other sport at Maryland it would be basketball.
Cirovski on Di Rosa: "Matt is a dynamic attacking player with has great ability to penetrate on the dribble and with combination play. Like Ben, he plays with a lot of passion and has recently been introduced to potentially being a left back. We are excited to find his best spot."
Before Maryland: As a central midfielder, he led Dematha Catholic to three WCAC Championships in 2013, 2014, and 2015… Varsity Player of the Year in 2014… Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee in 2016… First Team WCAC in 2016… 2015 national semifinalist and 2016 State Cup Champions with Celtic Soccer Club in Baltimore.
Personal: Paul Frendach was born August 8, 1999…son of Eric and Sharon… youngest of four kids… favorite sports hero is Ronaldinho… biggest sports thrill is being in the national semifinals… major is Business
Cirovski on Frendach: "Paul is a highly energetic and skillful box to box midfielder. He plays with a tremendous tenacity and has a great feel for the game."
Before Maryland: Led the Bullis School as a three time All Interstate Athletic Conference in 2014, 2015, and 2016… Defensive Player of Year Award in 2014… Most Valuable Player Award in 2016… member of the Baltimore Armour U18 Development Academy.
Personal: Petr Janda was born April 10, 1999… son of Petr and Olga… favorite sports hero is Petr Cech… hobbies include hiking and drawing… finished high school with a 3.8 GPA… biggest sports thrill was playing in the IMG Cup in Florida.
Cirovski on Janda: "Petr has great presence for a young goalkeeper. He communicates and organizes at a very high level. His ability to distribute is special. He is fearless and has a fantastic professional attitude which enables him to learn quickly and develop rapidly."
Before Maryland: Plays for DC United U-18 Youth Academy Team… spent junior year in England with U-18 Reading FC Youth Academy… played in U-17 U.S. Soccer Men's National Team Northwest Tour… selected for 98/99 Academy Select game in 2013...ranked No. 14 by College Soccer News and No. 62 by Top Drawer Soccer.
Personal: Eric Matzelevich was born November 28, 1998… son of William and Alina… one brother, Nicholas… favorite sports hero is Robert Lewandowski… came to Maryland because of the coaching staff and environment to develop… undecided on major.
Cirovski on Matzelevich: "Eric is a big strong hard working target forward who, like Gio, plays with great tenacity and commitment on both sides of the ball. Eric has had terrific domestic and international experiences for a young player."
Before Maryland: First Team All-Conference player at Heritage High School…also an All-Metro and All-State performer…also played for the Loudon Soccer Club in Leesburg….won the Golden Ball Award in 2015 and 2016 and tabbed Best XI in 2015 and 2016...ranked No. 96 by Top Drawer Soccer and No. 119 by College Soccer News.
Personal: Gio Vasquez was born June 10, 1999…son of Jose and Eva…has one sister, Erika…chose Maryland because it's the “best program in the nation”…major is undecided
Cirovski on Vasquez: "Gio plays with great passion on both sides of the ball. He is a special attacking player who has the ability to hold the ball, combine well and get in the box for clinical finishing."
