COLLEGE PARK, MD -- With the 2026 Major League Soccer season set to kick off on Saturday, Feb. 21, six former Maryland men's soccer standouts will open the year on MLS rosters, continuing the Terrapins' strong presence at the professional level.
Colorado Rapids - Zack Steffen & Kimani Stewart-Baynes
Zack Steffen enters his second season with the Colorado Rapids after rejoining MLS in 2024 following an extensive European career. Steffen spent time with Manchester City from 2019-24, in addition to other stints abroad, before returning to the United States.
At Maryland, Steffen played two seasons (2013-14) and earned Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Defensive Player honors in 2014. He helped anchor the Terps' back line and remains one of the program's most accomplished goalkeepers.
Joining him in Colorado is Kimani Stewart-Baynes, who begins his second MLS season after signing with the Rapids in 2024. Stewart-Baynes played one season in College Park (2023) and made an immediate impact, tallying three goals and seven assists. His outstanding freshman campaign earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.
Columbus Crew – Amar Sejdić
Amar Sejdić continues his MLS journey with the Columbus Crew after previous stops with Montreal, Atlanta, and Nashville. A cornerstone of Maryland's 2018 national championship squad, Sejdić started all 23 matches and served as a team captain during the title run.
The Louisville, Kentucky native led the Terps with eight goals in 2018, playing a pivotal role in securing the program's national championship.
LA Galaxy – Chris Rindov
Chris Rindov enters the season with the LA Galaxy after beginning his MLS career with Sporting Kansas City. A four-year Terrapin (2019-22), Rindov developed into one of the Big Ten's top defenders.
He captained the 2022 squad and earned All-Big Ten First Team recognition while helping lead Maryland to a Big Ten Championship that season.
Philadelphia Union – Ben Bender
The No. 1 overall selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, Ben Bender has suited up for both Charlotte and Philadelphia during his MLS career.
Bender starred at Maryland from 2020-21, earning United Soccer Coaches First Team All-America honors and being named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2021 after a dominant sophomore campaign.
Inter Miami CF – Dayne St. Clair
Dayne St. Clair begins a new chapter with Inter Miami after serving as Minnesota's starting goalkeeper since 2020. One of the most accomplished goalkeepers in Maryland history, St. Clair was instrumental in the Terps' 2018 national championship season.
He played every minute of the 2018 campaign and did not concede a goal over the final 500 minutes of the season, including the entire NCAA Tournament. St. Clair led the nation in goalkeeper minutes that year and delivered one of the most dominant postseason performances in program history.
Real Salt Lake – Griffin Dillon
Griffin Dillon has been with Salt Lake for the past few seasons, before being promoted to the active roster for the 2026 season.
Dillon was a member of the Maryland soccer team for two seasons (2021-22) where he scored three goals and tallied four assists for the 2022 Big Ten Champions team.
