Maryland Welcomes Back 1996 ACC Championship Team
The Terps welcomed a historic roster back to Ludwig Field earlier this season.
10/12/2026
Earlier this season, as Maryland men’s soccer took on UCLA at Ludwig Field, the Terps welcomed back a historic group of former letterwinners for an unforgettable weekend.
The 1996 ACC Championship Maryland men’s soccer roster returned to College Park for a special celebration of the 30-year reunion of an incredibly impactful season.
“It’s good to bring back the group of players that put Maryland on the national soccer map,” said Sasho Cirovski, the 34-year head coach and three-time National Championship coach. “The 1996 ACC title is one of the great moments in my career and was the catalyst for many players to look at Maryland as a first option. I’m eternally grateful for all the players that chose to come to Maryland at that time and embrace the challenge of being the building blocks of what is today’s program.”
The 1996 Maryland Terrapins boasted a 14-6-3 record. They defeated NC State (7-0), Wake Forest (5-1), and Virginia (1-0) to earn an ACC Championship that propelled Maryland to the acme of collegiate soccer.
“Coming back and seeing what this program has transformed into is amazing,” said Joseph Marshburn (1995-97). “To be a part of the front end was really special. Back then, it was a day where you didn’t have the transfer portal. You built a team over the number of years it took to build a good team, so the bond we had was really unique and special.”
Prior to the match, the letterwinners reunited, received commemorative merchandise, and reconnected during a special reception just feet from the field they made history on.
“When I first heard we were doing the reunion, I was so excited to see everyone again,” said Steve Armas (1995-98), who served as 1998 captain and was an NCAA All-Tournament Team selection. “I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate each other, reflect on the memories we made, and celebrate the incredible season we shared.”
The team was recognized at halftime of the Terps’ match against UCLA, sparking a rousing ovation from the Ludwig Field faithful.
“These are guys that I haven't seen for many years, but it's like I saw him yesterday,” said Keith Beach (1995-98), who was a 1998 First Team All-American. “Some of us keep in touch on a regular basis and some we don't see very often, but when we do, it's like we're still brothers.”
The forever champions were able to attend Maryland’s football game against the Bruins the following day after a morning of tailgating and celebrating at Terpsville FanFest. An unforgettable weekend for a historic team was only the latest chapter in a storied program that continues the rise that the 1996 team started.
“Life moves really fast,” said Leo Cullen (1995-97), a 1997 First Team All-American, 1997 ACC Player of the Year, and No. 1 pick in 1998 MLS Draft. “We all grew up, had kids, and got spread out all over the country. It’s been really nostalgic and a good excuse to come back, see the guys, and remember a time at which we were all decent at running around, kicking a soccer ball. We feel like we were the pioneers that laid the bricks and foundation of the program, so bringing our kids and letting them see 6,000 people for this new generation of players is great.”
