Maryland soccer’s Rodney Wallace made his World Cup debut for Costa Rica

A thrilling 2018 World Cup now has a Maryland connection. Costa Rica’s Rodney Wallace, who played at Maryland from 2007-08 and helped the Terps win the national championship in 2008, made his first-ever World Cup appearance for Los Ticos on Wednesday.

He joins current and former United States players Omar Gonzalez, Graham Zusi, Maurice Edu and Desmond Armstrong as the only Maryland players to appear in the World Cup.

Wallace came on in the 81st minute of Costa Rica’s final Group E match vs. Switzerland for what turned out to be some absolutely wild final minutes. Switzerland’s Josip Drmic thought his goal in the 88th minute was the game-winner, but Costa Rica answered back two minutes later when Bryan Ruiz’s penalty kick bounced off the crossbar and hit Switzerland goalie Yann Sommer’s head before bouncing into the goal.

The game ended in a 2-2 draw, and although it had no impact on the standings (Costa Rica was already eliminated and Switzerland would advance due to Serbia’s loss to Brazil), it was incredibly entertaining.

Since leaving Maryland following the 2008 season, Wallace has spent nine seasons in Major League Soccer. DC United selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and he spent two seasons there and another five with the Portland Timbers. He spent 2016 playing in Portugal and Brazil, and has suited up for New York City FC the past two seasons.

In other news

Behind Taivon Jacobs, there’s a group of veteran wide receivers that could make an impact.

After adding defensive end Deshawn Holt on Tuesday, the Terps missed out on four-star running back and St. John’s product Keilan Robinson, who committed to Alabama on Wednesday night.

In four years filled with injuries and inconsistent play, Michal Cekovsky says he never adjusted to American basketball, writes Jeff Ermann of InsideMdSports.

It was video day for Maryland women’s basketball, and the first chance to see what number the Terps’ new players will where. Shakira Austin will take over No. 1 from Ieshia Small, Taylor Mikesell will wear No. 11, Olivia Owens will be No. 35 and Sara Vujacic will be No. 32, which was last worn by Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.