Maryland soccer’s Zack Steffen captains Team USA at Gold Cup

Former Maryland goalkeeper Zack Steffen was named the captain of the United States Men’s National Team for its game against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday night. He joins Graham Zusi as the second Terp to receive the honor.

It was the first captaincy for the 24-year-old, who made his international debut in a friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Jan. 28, 2018. He’s made 11 appearances since then — including 10 starts — earning his spot as the goalkeeper of the future for a team hoping to make a return to the global spotlight.

Steffen notched three saves, giving him the fifth shutout of his international career, in the team’s 6-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday.

In six starts in 2019, Steffen has four shutouts and 13 saves, giving him a total of six and 29, respectively. It’s been a meteoric rise for the 2018 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, who will make a jump from Columbus Crew SC of MLS to Manchester City of the English Premier League next month during the summer transfer window from July 9 to Aug. 7.

In other news

As part of our State of the Program series, Thomas broke down the volleyball program, which has narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament two seasons in a row.

Running backs week wrapped up over the weekend. Justin profiled Lorenzo Harrison, who is hoping to make a comeback from a season-ending knee injury in 2018. I took a look at Jake Funk, whose versatility should earn him opportunities after returning from a broken hand.

Wes wrote about how this backfield came together and who’s joining the next wave of Terps running backs, who hope to make an impact in 2020 and beyond.

Mike Locksley and the staff picked up another recruit, as 2020 three-star receiver Nick DeGennaro committed to the program.

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