Led by head coach Sasho Cirovski, Maryland men’s soccer has churned out professional talent at an unprecedented rate. The Terps had 22 players drafted into the MLS during the previous 11 years, which was tied for the sixth-most in the country.
That number skyrocketed on Thursday.
Four Maryland players were selected in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. The Terps were tied for the second-most selections in the country behind national champion Washington, which had five players taken.
While Maryland failed to produce
a first-round pick for the second consecutive season, it had a pair drafted in each of the latter two rounds.
Sadam Masereka was the first Terp off the board, taken 34th overall by Sporting Kansas City. Masereka posted a team-high nine goals this season and was influential in the nation’s fifth-best attack this season.
The speedy right winger joins teammate Leon Koehl, who was selected by Sporting Kansas City last year but opted to return to College Park for one more season.
Despite missing the entire 2025 season, Colin Griffith was drafted by the Portland Timbers with the 45th pick. Griffith contributed the second-most goals for Maryland in 2024 with seven but suffered an unfortunate injury during last season’s MLS Showcase.
While the Terps didn’t have a clear-cut attacking option, their offensive depth paved the way for some explosive performances. It showed on Thursday, with Stephane Njike becoming the third Maryland attacker drafted. Njike was selected 61st by D.C. United.
Known for his flashy dribbling skills, electric pace and sensational goal celebrations, Njike finished second on the team in goals (7) and assists (7). But his lack of production during the postseason — Njike failed to total a point in the final four games, his longest drought of the season — likely dropped his stock.
MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist Lasse Kelp was arguably Maryland’s best player all season. But the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year wasn’t taken until the 85th pick. Kelp will remain local alongside Njike, as D.C. United’s second Maryland selection.
Playing every minute this season, Kelp quickly drew national attention with his sensational slide tackles. The German center back was a key piece in the Terps’ backline, which totalled nine shutouts this season.
While Maryland will have to rebuild significantly this offseason, Cirovski’s continued ability to produce MLS talent should draw in a talented transfer and freshman class.
