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Testudo Times gives out awards to the Terps’ brightest performers of the season.

The 2025 campaign will be one Maryland men’s soccer fans remember for a long time. The Terps breezed through the regular season without a loss, capturing the Big Ten regular season title. Despite an early conference tournament exit, Maryland rallied in the NCAA Tournament.

But even with the Terps advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time in seven years, a lifeless defeat against Washington ended the season on a sour note. Maryland’s final 45 minutes were arguably its worst at Ludwig Field this year.

Still, the Terps’ best season in recent memory featured several standout individual performances that deserve recognition.

Here’s our season awards for the team.

Most Valuable Player

Sophomore Laurin Mack

Mack had several moments this season that stamped his importance between the pipes, but none come close to his second-round NCAA Tournament performance against North Carolina. With the Terps in dire need of some shootout heroics, Mack made a pair of spectacular diving saves before drilling the game-winning kick from the spot.

That was emblematic of his season. Mack seemingly had a victory-sealing save in every game this season. He led the conference with 61 stops and nine shutouts while only conceding 18 goals. Those stats fueled his Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year nomination. Mack’s return next season should help settle Maryland’s new-look starting backline.

Defender of the Year

Senior Lasse Kelp

Kelp quickly quieted any concerns about the Terps’ backline this season. Standing at 6-foot-3, the UMBC transfer’s imposing stature was always going to cause problems for opposing attackers aerially. But just minutes into his debut, it became clear that he brought more to the table than just his size.

Between his signature last-ditch slide tackles and physicality man-marking some of the premier forwards in college soccer, Kelp’s warrior-like style won over Maryland fans. His stunning game-tying free kick against Penn State certainly helped. Playing every minute this season, Kelp hauled in several awards, including his recent United Soccer Coaches All-American first team nod.

Midfielder of the Year

Junior Leon Koehl

After his first-round selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, Koehl opted to return for one last season. While his stats dipped this year — he only took four penalty kicks, down from seven in 2024 — Koehl’s impact in possession remained. The German midfielder was instrumental in helping Maryland build out of the back.

Koehl’s ability to quickly cover ground granted him the freedom to roam forward in the attacking half. He totaled a career-high three assists and earned consecutive All-Big Ten first team honors. But a late-season injury once again limited his minutes during the postseason. Koehl will begin his professional career at Sporting Kansas City.

Forward of the Year

Senior Sadam Masereka

When Maryland was at its best against Washington, it stemmed from success on the right flank. That was the case throughout the end of the year. With the ball at the foot of Masereka, the pacey and shifty winger was practically unguardable. His ability to cruise past defenders and deliver dangerous crosses keyed Maryland’s attacking success.

Masereka posted a team-high nine goals, including a first-half hat trick in the regular season finale against Michigan State — the program’s first since 2017. He chipped in five assists to pad his All-Big Ten first-team selection. Masereka’s 2025 production was easily his best during his short tenure in College Park.

Freshman of the Year

Freshman Rocket Ritarita

Ritarita became a household name just four games into his college soccer career. The No. 35-ranked recruit in the class of 2025 totaled a pair of goals and dished out four assists early in his young career. However, his decrease in production during Big Ten play shifted him back to the bench.

But with the Terps’ offense taking a step back in the postseason, it was Ritarita’s time to shine. He contributed to three of Maryland’s five goals in the NCAA Tournament, including a goal and assist against UConn. With his first season of college soccer under his belt, Ritarita is expected to see increased minutes next year and will likely take on a full-time starter role.

Most Improved Player

Senior Albi Ndrenika

Ndrenika was away from soccer for over a year after suffering a season-ending injury as a freshman. After missing his sophomore season, he had a long road back to full fitness and game action. While Ndrenika returned to the pitch last year and finished with a goal and four assists, it still felt like he had more potential to unlock.

This season was a culmination of his battle back paying dividends. Even after a positional change, Ndrenika’s production remained steady. He posted a team-high eight assists and scored four times — three of which served as game-winners. Ndrenika still has one more year of eligibility if he opts to return to College Park.

Impact Player of the Year

Sophomore Stephane Njike

While Maryland was filled with talented players on this year’s roster, it felt like its success relied on Njike. And during the regular season, it did. Njike’s electric pace and dribbling skills allowed him to weave through defenses. Even when opponents sent double teams his way, Njike still navigated the traffic.

But in the postseason, teams started to figure him out, resulting in a four-game stretch without a goal or assist. Njike was a nonfactor during Maryland’s NCAA Tournament run. Still, he finished second on the team in goals (7) and assists (7). Njike was invited to the MLS College Showcase, so his college career may be over.