A former Red Bull Academy player, Maryland midfielder Matt Kassel, has been named the TopDrawerSoccer.com Rookie of the Season, it was announced recently by the website.
According to TopDrawSoccer.com: The former New York Red Bulls youth standout established himself as a high-quality distributor from the middle of the park, both on set pieces and the run of play. Kassel's headiness and work rate were other factors in getting the nod in a hotly-contested decision. He is one of three Terrapins on the All-Rookie 1st team, along with forward Casey Townsend and goalkeeper Zac MacMath.
Kassel appeared and started in 19 games for Maryland, scoring one goal while adding seven assists, a total that ranked him second on the team. His lone tally was the game-winner against Binghamton University on Sept. 30.
A 2008 All-ACC Freshmen Team honoree, Kassel and his Terrapin teammates were selected as the # 2 Seed in NCAA Tournament after posting an 18-3-0 record and an ACC Championship. Maryland will take on winner of the University of Pennsylvania/George Mason University First Round match on Nov. 25 at Maryland at 7:00 PM.
Kassel will not be the only Red Bull Academy product in the NCAA Tournament at St. John's University boasts two former Academy players in forward Walter Hines and defender Conor Lade. Hines appeared in 17 games, starting one for the 16-2-3 Red Storm, while Lade appeared in and started all 21 games, scoring one goal for the NCAA Tournament's #3 seeded team. St. John's will take on the winner of the Boston University/Fairleigh Dickinson University First Round match on Nov. 25 at St. John's at 5:00 PM.
