Maryland's men's soccer program unveiled its leadership group for the 2026 campaign, appointing three players as captains.
Leadership experience and accolades
Leon Koehl, a two‑time All‑Big Ten First Team midfielder, brings a blend of playmaking vision and defensive tenacity that has made him one of the conference's most respected engines in the middle of the park.
Laurin Mack, the reigning Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, returns after a 2025 season that featured nine shutouts and 61 saves, earning Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week honors three times and solidifying his reputation as a reliable last line of defense.
Albi Ndrenika, an All‑Big Ten Second Team forward, contributed eight assists and four game‑winning goals last year, showcasing his knack for delivering decisive moments in the final third.
Strategic outlook
Coach Sasho Cirovski emphasized that the trio’s complementary skill sets will allow the Terrapins to shift fluidly between possession‑based build‑up and rapid counter‑attacks, a balance he believes is crucial for competing at the national level.
Beyond their on‑field duties, the captains will serve as ambassadors for the program, guiding younger players and representing Maryland at community events and media engagements throughout the season.
With the leadership core now in place, the team looks to translate its recent successes into a campaign that could contend for conference titles and deep runs in the NCAA tournament.