Terps' Edu Decides to Turn Pro

Midfielder Maurice Edu, a first-team all-American this year and a key member of Maryland's 2005 NCAA soccer championship team, announced yesterday that he will forgo his senior season to pursue professional opportunities.

"The level of interest in his ability from both Major League Soccer and European teams has become extremely intense," Terrapins Coach Sasho Cirovski said in a prepared statement. "After three weeks of careful consideration, Maurice has decided to enter the professional ranks."

Edu, 20, had five goals and four assists this season from a defensive midfield position. Four of his goals were game-winners.

"This was the hardest decision of my life," said Edu, a native of Fontana, Calif. "I know that I am ready to accept the challenge of the professional soccer world."

A number of Maryland players have left the program early in recent years to turn pro, including U.S. national team players Taylor Twellman and Dan Califf. Last summer Robbie Rogers signed with a Dutch club after one season in College Park.

The Terrapins, who had only two senior starters this year, were beaten by Notre Dame in the round of 16 last month after four consecutive Final Four appearances.

-- Steven Goff