Former Maryland goalie Zack Steffen recalled by US National Team

Former Maryland goalkeeper Zack Steffen has rejoined the US men’s national soccer team for a pair of upcoming friendlies, interim coach Dave Sarachan announced Tuesday.

Steffen made his national team debut in January and earned his first start in March, recording two saves in a shutout against Paraguay. He and nine other players were added to the roster ahead of friendlies against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, June 2, and France in Lyon on June 9. It won’t be the strongest version of Team USA, with several starters staying home to play for their MLS clubs, but this will provide a chance to face experienced European teams, including a French squad gearing up for the World Cup.

After starring at Maryland from 2013-14, Steffen briefly played professionally in Germany and became the starter for the Columbus Crew last year. He starred in the 2017 MLS playoffs, making eight saves in 120 minutes to help the Crew advance past Atlanta United. As of this writing, he’s on a streak of five consecutive clean sheets. Still just 23, he’s got a long career ahead of him.

The United States is not in the field for the 2018 World Cup. But if and when it returns four years from now, Steffen has as good a chance as anyone to be standing in between the pipes.

In other news

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Maryland golf sophomore Peter Knade and senior David Kocher earned PING All-Region honors. Both players competed in NCAA regionals this spring.

Cliff Tucker’s death at age 29 Monday sent shockwaves through the Maryland community. Yesterday, the tributes continued to pour in.