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Rogers Signs Pro Contract With Dutch Team

Sophomore midfielder/forward helped lead Terps to 2005 NCAA title

Aug. 14, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Robbie Rogers, a 2005 Freshman All-American and the Terps' third-leading scorer a year ago, today announced he has signed a multi-year contract with a professional soccer club in the Dutch Premier League and will not return to the University of Maryland.

Rogers will travel to The Netherlands Tuesday to join his professional team, SC Heerenveen, and begin his pro career.

"This is a substantial contract with a club in the top league in Holland," said University of Maryland men's soccer coach Sasho Cirovski. "Although losing Robbie at this point in time is significant for us because of his special qualities as a player and as a person, I am extremely happy to see him fulfill his boyhood dream. I am still extremely confident with the quality and character of our 2006 team, and am looking forward to another successful season.

"Robbie's impact with us, though short, has been tremendous. He was a vital component in us winning the national championship last season. Robbie will always be a part of the Maryland soccer family. All of us will miss him; he leaves with our best wishes."

Rogers, a two-time Parade All-American in high school in southern California, appeared in 22 matches for the Terps last year. The midfielder/forward started 20 contests and totaled 19 points (7 goals, 5 assists). Maryland finished the season 19-4-2, defeating New Mexico 1-0 in the NCAA championship game on Dec. 11 in Cary, N.C.

Said Rogers: "My experience at Maryland is one I will treasure for the rest of my life. It is the best program in the country, and I feel blessed to have been a part of it. Sasho has elevated my game to the highest level, and I want to thank him, [assistant] Russell Payne, [assistant] Rob Vartughian and the entire Maryland soccer program for an incredible experience. The relationships that I've made here with my teammates and coaches are very important to me and will always remain with me.

"This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that came suddenly," Rogers continued. "The past seven days have been the toughest of my life in terms of making an educated decision about my future. However, I feel that I am ready to make soccer my career and this was an opportunity I could not pass up."

Rogers' parents expressed gratitude and appreciation for their son's experience in the Terrapin program. Said his mother, Theresa: "We will always be grateful to Maryland soccer for not only helping Robbie develop as a player, but more importantly as a person." His father, Rob, added: "Every parent should be so lucky to have Sasho as their son's coach. I appreciate all he did to help nurture Robbie's growth as a person and player."

Hoop sucking up weer :razz:.