COLLEGE PARK, Md. – University of MarylandHead coach men's footballSasho Cirovskihas announced the signing of eight players for the 2022 season.
"I am pleased to officially welcome our new signers to Maryland," said Cirovski. “Our Class of 2022 has all the qualities we look for in our players, ability and drive on the field and a great work ethic off it. This class has a distinct local flavor that underlines the quality of football in our region. Our fans will enjoy seeing them as terps.”
signerMatthias of Jesus,Albi NdrenikaAndBrian St. Martinwill register early and join the Terps for the spring 2022 season. Information on all signatories can be found below.
MATIAS DE JESUS
TOWSON, MD.
BALTIMORE CELTIC // LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD
MIDFIELD
Before Maryland:Played for Loyola Blakefield under coach Lee Tschantret ... did not play his A season again after injury ... All-Catholic League first-team selection ... scored five goals and five assists ... played for Baltimore Celtic under coach Mike St. Martin ... three-time international League Champions...Three-time National Qualifier...Maryland State Cup Champions 2021...Maryland State Cup Finalists 2018 and 2019...Regional Finalists 2019...Son of Marcelo and Barbara...Mother played squash and dartmouth...Brother Nicholas is visiting Maryland.
Cheftrainer Sasho Cirovski:"Matias is a technical and intelligent player who can play in all midfield positions. He's a player who has a knack for set pieces and can score and deliver as the game progresses."
Why did you come to Maryland?"There is a great football program and I love the campus!"
MACK DEVRIES
MECHANICSBURG, PA.
PA CLASSICS
CENTER REAR
Before Maryland:Played club soccer for PA Classics under coach Steve Klein ... ranked #102 in the Top Drawr Soccer/IMG Top-200 ... captained his teams from 2016 to 2022 ... was invited to regional youth ID centers in three seasons ... selected to play for Capelli Sport USA to play the Capelli Sport Cup in Denmark in 2021...son of Todd and Marnie DeVries...father played college football at Penn State in 1990...has a twin sister, Kate.
Cheftrainer Sasho Cirovski:“Mack is a physical and technical left-footed centre-back. He's a natural leader who is comfortable playing from behind. He has a long range when passing and is very good in the air and prides himself on his set pieces. He brings an extremely competitive intensity to his defensive duels.”
Why did you come to Maryland?“I chose to come to Maryland because I fell in love with the campus the moment I stepped onto it. It's a world-class academic institution to graduate from and it has an elite football program with elite institutions, players and coaches."
COLIN GRIFFITH
STROUDSBURG, PA.
PDA
FORWARD
Before Maryland:Played association soccer for Players Development Academy (PDA) under coach Sam Nellins … scored 15 goals in 12 games in U-19 … Top Drawer Soccer Showcase Outstanding (U-19) … Top Drawer Soccer MLS Next Fest Showcase Best XI (U- 19 ) ...reached the MLS Next U-17 finals and was the top scorer in that squad ...represented Barbados youth national teams and appeared in the 2019 CONCACAF Boys U-15 Championship ...son of Steve and Kristy Griffith ...brother Nigel plays Football for St. John's... also has a sister, Elena.
Cheftrainer Sasho Cirovski:“Colin is a gifted goalscorer who can also play the role of provider. He has a great sense of how to create space for himself and his teammates. In his top-ranked PDA team, he has regularly scored important goals in big games. What sets him apart is his balance, speed and cunning on the ball, which poses a constant threat to opposing defences.”
Why did you come to Maryland?"I chose to come to Maryland because of their amazing coaching staff and their ability to develop players for the next level of competition."
ETHAN GREGORY
Oakton, Virginia.
BRADDOCK ROAD JUGENDCLUB/OAKTON HS
FORWARD
Before Maryland:Played for Oakton High School under coach Ralph Perkins ... first team in every district, region and state ... also three-time district champion in track and field ... played association football for Braddock Road Youth Club under coach Brian Welsh ... son of James and Michelle Gregory ... father played college -Football at Bethany College …Brother Spencer plays football at William and Mary.
Cheftrainer Sasho Cirovski:“Ethan was a standout at our 2021 summer camp and we knew right away we wanted him as a terp. He's comfortable in the middle or wide areas, allowing him to play anywhere along the frontline. His athleticism and goal-scoring ability, along with his infectious personality and positive work ethic, are evident every time he steps onto the field.”
Why did you come to Maryland?“It has been my dream school since elementary school. The football program and coaching staff offer the best support and opportunities for growth.”
ALBI NDRENIKA
OLNEY, MD.
BALTIMORE ARMOR
MIDFIELD
Before Maryland:Played for Baltimore Armor for coach Mike Lookingland ... captained his teams for Armor ... won the 2021 Dallas Cup and scored eight goals ... was invited to several US National Team training centers ... scored eight goals and had six assists in his final season with Armor ... Armor helped lead his group at MLS NEXT Fest 2021 in California...ranked 127th on Top Drawer Soccer/IMG Top-200...son of Irakli and Migena Ndrenika...brother Joni plays soccer at Frostburg State University.
Cheftrainer Sasho Cirovski:“Albi is a skilled and tenacious central midfielder. At Baltimore Armor he showed his advanced feel for the game combined with his high caliber skills that made the players around him better. He has a powerful shot and creative flair that makes him a dual threat as a goalscorer and passer.”
Why did you come to Maryland?“The proximity to home and the familiarity helped a lot in the recruitment process. Growing up watching them dominate the college game and win trophies this was definitely a top pick and an easy pick for me as they approached. I think Maryland has the most pro-like environment and it's a great place to push yourself and excel.”
MAX RILEY
MACCLESFIELD, ENGLAND
BETHESDA SC/URBANA HS
FORWARD
Before Maryland:Played association soccer for Bethesda Soccer Club under coach Derek Biss ... was captain at the U-16, U-17 and U-19 levels ... played high school soccer at Urbana under coach Scott Schartner in 2018 ... scored 15 goals and scored 17 Assists...helped Urbana go 17-2 to the Maryland State Championship game...son of Jonathan and Clare Riley...has two younger siblings: Sam and Frankie.
Cheftrainer Sasho Cirovski:“Max is a versatile, clever and aggressive player. Due to his high football intelligence, he can play in any midfield or forward position. His gifted left foot allows him to play with flair while his strong physical presence gives him the ability to be productive and compete in a variety of roles on the field.”
Why did you come to Maryland?"It felt like the best place for me to get the best education and play the best football possible."
MIKA VICTORY
INDIAN HEAD, MD.
BALTIMORE CELTIC/HENRY E. LACKEY HS
GOALKEEPER
Before Maryland:Played for Henry E. Lackey HS under coach Jonathan Juracko...recorded 223 saves, conceded 12 goals, four PK saves, six goals and 11 assists for the Chargers...was named a 2021 High School All-American Game...2021 Southern Maryland Athletic Conference Player of the Year...2021 Washington Post First-Team All-Metro...2021 All-State Honorable Mention...2021 All-Conference First-Team...led the State of Maryland in saves in 2019...played for Baltimore Celtic under coach Dan Louisignau...called up to the U -15 USA national team in 2018...son of Billy and Brenda Seger...has four siblings: Jeremiah, Judah, Uriah and Zekeriah.
Cheftrainer Sasho Cirovski:“Mikah is a dominant presence on the field as a goalkeeper. He has excellent communication skills and a solid command of his backline. He is very confident with both feet and hands and can distribute the ball efficiently and effectively.”
Why did you come to Maryland?“Maryland is one of the top programs in the country. The staff have done an excellent job of developing players to help them reach the next level. It is also my dream school.”
BRIAN ST. Martin
MOUNT AIRY, MD.
BALTIMORE CELTIC/MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH’S
MIDFELD/WIDE BEHIND
Before Maryland:Star for Mount St. Joseph, who played for father Mike St. Martin...scored 16 goals and had 10 assists...team captain...2021 High School All-American Game participant...2-time All-MIAA selection...2021 Baltimore Sun All-Metro Pick...2021 First-Team All-State...Gaels were the 2020 Catholic League Champion...Squad was undefeated in 2020 and earned a No. 2 national ranking by Top Drawer Soccer...played association soccer for Baltimore Celtic under Mike St. Martin...won in 2017 and 2021 Maryland State Cups with Celtic and three consecutive National League championships (2019-21)...Son of Mike and Lara St. Martin...Brother Brett was twice team captain and twice All-Big Ten selection in Maryland as of 2018-21...Sister Brooke was a three-time America East champion swimmer at UMBC.
Cheftrainer Sasho Cirovski:“Brian is an athletic and technical right-back who can also play the role of defensive midfield. His ability to pass the ball with his feet and talent for winning aerial duels will help him compete at the collegiate level. While he shares similar qualities to his brother Brett, I'm excited to see Brian forge his own identity.”
Why did you come to Maryland?"I chose to come to Maryland because they do a great job of developing players and are always fighting for championships. Maryland is also close to home and is a great academic school.”