One of the most highly-regarded goalkeeping prospects in the United States is turning pro, heading to Germany after leaving school early.
The University of Maryland announced on Friday morning that goalkeeper Zack Steffen will forgo his final two years of college eligibility in order to sign with German Bundesliga club SC Freiburg. The 19-year-old Steffen, a member of the US Under-20 team, leaves the Terps after two years as their starting goalkeeper. He is the first player since Robbie Rogers (2005) to leave the program for an overseas opportunity.
“My time at Maryland has been nothing short of spectacular,” Steffen told UMTerps.com. “I want to thank my coaches and my teammates for an amazing two years in College Park. While at Maryland, I’ve had a chance to develop both on the field and off and I am excited to take the next step in my soccer career. I’d also like to thank the fans – the best in all of college soccer – for their incredible support.”
Steffen, who stands at 6-foot-2, led Maryland to a pair of conference tournament titles in his two years in college. He played every minute of every match for the Terps, also leading them to two regular-season conference crowns.
The Downingtown, Pennsylvania, native is affiliated with the Philadelphia Union academy.
