Maryland Men’s Soccer Reloads for 2026 with 13 New Additions

The University of Maryland men’s soccer program isn’t rebuilding after its successful 2025 season—it is reloading.

Head coach Sasho Cirovski announced Thursday that the Terrapins have added 13 new players to the 2026 roster, one of the largest offseason recruiting classes in recent program history. The group includes five experienced transfers and eight freshmen from across North America, Europe and Africa, giving Maryland another infusion of talent as it prepares for a challenging Big Ten schedule and another run at the NCAA Tournament.

The announcement reflects the reality of modern college soccer. Between graduation, professional opportunities and roster turnover, Maryland had significant holes to fill. Rather than relying on one avenue of recruiting, the coaching staff blended proven college veterans with high-upside international prospects.

In the official announcement, Cirovski praised the class, saying it “will raise the level of competition” throughout the program.

Proven Transfers Lead the Class

The headline additions are the transfer portal acquisitions.

Forward Marco Wright arrives after earning First Team All-CAA honors and producing one of the conference’s top attacking seasons. Wright gives Maryland an experienced scoring option capable of making an immediate impact in the final third.

Joining Wright from Campbell is defender Lilian Fichelle, another First Team All-CAA selection. Fichelle developed into one of the CAA’s premier defenders and should help replace experience lost along Maryland’s back line.

Midfielder Zack Harris transfers from Cal State Northridge after earning All-Big West recognition. Harris brings creativity, vision and experience against high-level Division I competition.

Forward Dominic Ayella arrives after an outstanding career at Lindsey Wilson College, where he established himself as one of the NAIA’s most dangerous goal scorers.

Defender Ljubomir Popovic, a two-time NJCAA All-American at Tyler Junior College, adds both size and experience while giving Maryland another physically imposing option in defense.

International Flavor

Maryland has consistently recruited internationally under Cirovski, and the 2026 class continues that tradition.

The freshman class includes:

• Franklin Affanyi
• Zach Cielewich
• Said El Eyssami
• Rodrigo Neri
• Antoine Coupland
• Jason Atakora
• Maxwell Sekyi
• Dennis Kalanzi

The group represents several countries and developmental systems, reinforcing Maryland’s reputation as one of college soccer’s premier international recruiting destinations. Several players have already competed at elite academy or professional youth levels before arriving in College Park.

Filling Important Needs

Maryland did more than simply add talent—it addressed nearly every position on the field.

The transfer class strengthens the attack with proven goal scorers, reinforces the midfield with experienced playmakers and bolsters the defense with veteran leadership.

Meanwhile, the freshman class provides long-term depth while creating immediate competition throughout preseason camp.

That balance has become a hallmark of Cirovski’s recruiting philosophy. Rather than leaning entirely on freshmen or transfers, Maryland has built a roster that combines veteran leadership with developmental upside.

Competition Begins Immediately

With the current 2026 roster now finalized, nearly every starting position will be contested during preseason camp. The newcomers join returning veterans such as Leon Koehl, Albi Ndrenika, Luke Burdett and Kenny Quist-Therson, giving Maryland one of its deepest squads in recent seasons.

That internal competition should elevate the level of training before the Terrapins open another demanding season that includes a difficult nonconference schedule and one of the toughest conference slates in the nation.

Looking Ahead

Replacing an experienced roster is never easy, but Maryland has repeatedly shown an ability to reload rather than rebuild.

The additions announced this week demonstrate that philosophy once again. The Terrapins combined experienced transfers capable of contributing immediately with talented freshmen who could become the next generation of stars at Ludwig Field.

Whether that formula translates into another Big Ten championship push and deep NCAA Tournament run will be determined this fall. On paper, however, Maryland has once again assembled a roster capable of competing with the nation’s best.