With a team as riddled with injuries as No. 11 Maryland men’s soccer, many freshmen have received playing time they otherwise never would have seen. Four freshmen Terps, all of whom are international recruits, were highlighted for their impressive efforts in Top Drawer Soccer’s top 100 midseason freshmen list.
Defender Franklin Affanyi slid in to No. 10 on the list despite flying under the radar for most of Maryland’s season. The Ghanaian
native has started on the backline all season long and has played every single minute in all but two contests. He also has three assists on the season, demonstrating unique passing abilities from the defender slot.
Rodrigo Neri — a 21-year-old freshman from Spain — has quickly become a fan favorite among members of The Crew and sits No. 24 in the ranking. The forward leads the Terps with seven goals and 15 points, respectively, and has continued to haunt defenses throughout his inaugural collegiate season.
Just behind Neri in the goal tally sits Said El Eyssami with five scores to his name. The Venezuelan forward sits 40th in the rankings after bursting onto the scene for Maryland’s attack. He has started in eight games this season despite nagging injuries.
Canadian midfielder Luka Juricic rounds out the Terps who made the list in the No. 91 slot. Juricic has provided a steady presence in the middle third of the field after injuries had upended Maryland’s midfield depth. He has played in all of the Terps’ last seven games.
In other news
Nolan Rogalski previewed Maryland men’s basketball’s frontcourt.
Enterprise reporter Justin Glenn delved deep into the economics of Maryland’s non-revenue sports.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Jessica O’Donnell was removed from the running for a coaching position with Maryland softball after accusations of player abuse came to light.
Maryland football announced the kickoff time for its Nov. 7 game at Purdue.
