Heading into the fall, Team USA has cut the roster from 98 players, to 52. Out of those 52, nine have been selected from the University of Maryland. These Terp alums are dominant in the MLL at their positions and make give their teams an edge over their competitions.
Attack:
Ryan Young – Traded from New York to Charlotte, Young had an impressive 2013 season for the Hounds. He helped lead them to their first MLL Championship game, recording seven points (4G, 3A) in their loss to Chesapeake. Overall, Ryan managed to pick up 30 goals and ten assists. Young brings an energy to his team that is rare, which is something Coach Meade and company have probably taken into consideration.
Midfield:
Jeremy Sieverts – This Outlaw tallied five hat tricks this past season, along with 44 points (27G, 17A). 6’3″ and over 200lbs, the big midfielder has a cannon and will keep on going even if he gets knocked down. His relentlessness will keep him in the running for a spot on the final roster.
Drew Snider – Young, tough and has increased his game ten fold. This kid will do it all and then some. Defense, offense, ride, clear, you name it, he’ll do it. That’s what makes Snider a great player, is his will to do anything and everything. Not to mention, he’s quick and shifty on O. His youth may give him some trouble, but he will give Coach Meade and his staff 100 percent and everything they ask of him.
LSM:
Brian Farrell – When you think of LSM’s, you think Kyle Sweeney and Kyle Hartzell type guys, lanky, skinny, long reach guys. Farrell is tall and thick at 6’5″ and 240lbs. He’s physical, has that long reach and makes it near impossible for his opposition to get to the net. He does all this while still running down the field and creating offense, scoring a goal here and there. Brian’s ability to cause havoc on defense and offense will allow him to make controversy as to who will be dawning the red, white and blue at the LSM position come July.
Jesse Bernhardt – On the roster as a defender, if selected, fans will probably see him running LSM at times. He’s a little smaller than Farrell, standing at 6’1″ and 200lbs. However, he’s a scrappy, physical player, with speed that makes him turn heads in the open field. As a rookie with the Bayhawks this season, Jesse learned a lot transitioning from NCAA to the MLL by playing with veterans Brian Spallina, Nicky Polanco, Barney Ehrmann and Michael Evans. Playing and learning from that defensive group will give anyone confidence to go out and dominate.
Defense:
Brett Schmidt – Tall defender with a lot of range. Good off ball and communication skills. Has the ability to take away the ball at times. A special talent Schmidt brings to the field is his ability to get up the field in transition and help clear the ball, making himself and his team that more dangerous. Brett will give his defensive comrades a tough competition for a slot on the roster.
Lee Zink – Probably the best defenseman in the game today. Takes his opponent and makes him work for the points. Text book style defender that will watch his guys film and know every move they make before they even think it. Zink didn’t make the roster in 2010, but has his sites set on putting on that USA jersey in 2014.
SSDM:
Dan Burns & Jeff Reynolds – The two Maryland short stick defensive midfielders played two years in college together and also play for the Chesapeake Bayhawks. They are two of the best in the league, giving their assignments no easy way of getting to the cage. Both can push the ball in transition and are physical with their guy. They have some stiff competition to beat out at SSDM, including Chris Schiller, Kevin Unterstein, Matt Abbott, and Kevin Drew.
