University of Maryland men’s soccer team signs 9 new Terps for 2025 season

COLLEGE PARK, MD – University of Maryland men’s soccer head coach Sasho Cirovski has announced the additions of nine players to the roster for the 2025 season.

Information on all signees can be found below. Joseph Picotto and Lasse Kelp have already joined Maryland for the Spring season.

“I am excited to welcome this talented group of players into our squad,” Cirovski said “They all bring different skill sets, which will help this program continue to battle on the national stage. Their quality and athletic ability will be a welcomed addition to a deep group of returners from last season. I can’t wait for all of Terp Nation to get the opportunity to watch these players this fall!”

HENRY BERNSTEIN
Gladwyne, PA
Philadelphia Union Academy
Midfielder

Before Maryland: Played for Philadelphia Union Academy for coach Peter McDonnell and Philadelphia Union II coach Ryan Richter. Helped lead Philadelphia Union to the 2024 Generation Adidas Cup Championship. Was an MLS Cup Finalist in 2021 and a member of the U-13 CONCACAF Championship team in 2019. Captained multiple sides at Philadelphia Union and has been a part of the Academy since age 6. Ranked as the No. 77 player nationally in the TopDrawer Soccer/IMG Top 200. Parents are Daniel and Sarah Bernstein. Father played collegiate lacrosse at Lafayette. Uncle Beckett Hollenbach played collegiate soccer at Maryland from 1997-2001 and was a team captain.

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Henry is a gifted box to box midfielder capable of playing as a 6, 8 and 10. His vision and passing ability is next level due to his proficient technical skill and high soccer IQ. His vast experience with the Philly Union academy has prepared him well to play in our style.”

LUKE BURDETT
Woodstock, MD
DC United Academy
Midfielder

Before Maryland: Played for DC United Academy, after playing for Baltimore Armour for the past three seasons. Trained with the DC United First Team. Played freshman and sophomore years at Calvert Hall for renowned coach Barry Stitz. Member of Calvert Hall’s Co-National Championship team in 2022. Parents are Nigel and Barbara Burdett. Father Nigel played soccer at Maryland from 1986-90, and was a two-time First Team All-ACC selection.

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Luke is a physically strong player that can play as a 6 as well as CB. He has the ability to play in tight spaces but is especially good with his ability to open the game with his long passes. His time with Baltimore Armour and more recently with DC United has elevated his game to make his transition to the college game seamless.”

MATEO CARIDE
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Vaughan SC
Forward

Before Maryland: Played for Vaughan SC for coaches Fabio Campoli and Anthony Vadori. Helped lead Vaughan SC to the League 1 Cup Championship in 2024. Member of two U-20 Championship teams. Played for high school team St. Ignatius of Loyola. Led Loyola to a pair of championships in 2022 and 2024. Named the Halton Region Most Valuable Player in 2024 and Young Player of the Year in 2022. Parents are Juan Caride and Marina Castro

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Mateo is a goal scorer. His Argentine soccer background coupled with his experience with the Vaughn SC in Canada have refined his game to where he is a complete striker. He has the technical ability to be a hold up striker and a gifted left foot with a real knack for the final finish.”

LASSE KELP
Bonn, Germany
UMBC // SC Fortuna Koln
Defender

Before Maryland: Played collegiate soccer for UMBC. Played and started in 51 matches while at UMBC. Third Team Academic All-American in 2023. Named to America East Conference First Team in 2023 and 2024. Selected to the America East All-Rookie Team in 2022. Helped lead UMBC three consecutive America East Conference Tournament appearances, reaching the final in 2023. Finished career at UMBC with four goals and two assists. Named team captain in 2024. Played for SC Fortuna Koln in the U-19 Bundesliga.

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Lasse has proven that he is one of the best LCB’s in D1 college soccer. He is a warrior and a leader. It’s very clear that he cares about defending and also has the ability to play out of the back whether it’s with short build up play or with his long passing. His dominant personality and huge on field presence have been displayed already this Spring season. He will have an immediate impact next Fall.

JOSEPH PICOTTO
Turin, Italy
UMBC // Torino FC // FC Pinerolo
Midfielder

Before Maryland: Played collegiate soccer for UMBC. Named to the America East Conference Second Team in 2024 after picking up five goals and two assists. Played at Salt Lake Community College in 2023, scoring nine goals with five assists while earning First Team All-Conference honors. Played for Torino FC and FC Pinerolo in Italy. Parents are David Picotto and Angela Jane Beckh.

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Joseph is a proven top level midfielder with great feet, balance and versatility. He has made a strong impression this Spring with his passionate personality and impact on the field. His vast experiences from Torino FC Academy in Italy to his prior collegiate success have positioned him to be an impactful player for us next Fall.”

JACKSON PLATTS
Jacksonville, FL
Orlando City FC
Defender

Before Maryland: Played for Orlando City SC Academy for coach Javi Carillo. Called into United States U-18 & U-19 National Team Training Camps. Scored one goal for Orlando City B. Has been team captain of Orlando City U-18 Academy team, regarded as one of the top MLSNEXT Academy teams. Parents are Shawn and Kelli Platts. Father played collegiate basketball at Jacksonville University.

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Jackson is one of the top young defenders in our country. Capable of playing anywhere on the back line, he excels both at CB and the RB positions. His tenaciousness and pride in defending is evident in every challenge, as well as his composure and quality when he has the ball at his feet. His development with Orlando City Academy as well as Orlando City B will have him ready to make an immediate impact.”

CASEY PRICE
Forest Hill, MD
Pipeline SC // Archbishop Curley
Midfielder // Defender

Before Maryland: Played club soccer for Pipeline SC for coach Santino Quaranta. Was a three-time first team all-conference selection at Pipeline SC from 2022-24. Named ECNL Conference Player of the Year in 2022. Was an ECNL All-American in 2022 and United Soccer Youth Boys All-American in 2024. 2023 Capelli US All-Star Team. A six-time team captain for Pipeline SC. Played for Archbishop Curley. Named a three-time MIAA-A First Team All-Conference from 2022-24. Two-time First Team All-State selection in 2023 and 2024, and All-State Honorable Mention selection in 2022. Baltimore Sun First Team All-Met selection in 2023 and 2024. Selected to the East squad for the High School All-American Game. Finished career at Archbishop Curley with 32 goals and 24 assists. Parents are Dann and Kellie Price. Mother played collegiate basketball for York College of Pennsylvania, while father played collegiate basketball for the University of Northern Colorado and York College of Pennsylvania.

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Casey is an athletic, competitive midfielder and defender who has developed both with Pipeline SC and at Archbishop Curley HS. He has a huge engine in midfield and is always around the ball. He can impact the game in so many ways with his ball winning and passing but it’s his aerial ability that stands out on both sides of the ball.”

ROCKET RITARITA
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte FC Academy
Forward

Before Maryland: Played for Charlotte FC Academy for head coach Jason Osbourne, after spending four years with the Atlanta United Academy. Current member of Crown Legacy FC, Charlotte FC’s MLSNEXTPro team. Helped lead Charlotte FC to the 2017 MLS NEXT U17 Cup Finals. Member of Charlotte FC Academy U16 team to win the MLS NEXT U16 Cup. Named MLS NEXT U16 Cup MVP. MLS NEXT All-Star selection in 2023. Parents are Rommel and Darlene Ritarita.

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Rocket is one of the top young strikers in our country. He can play any of the attacking positions and has the ability to unbalance defenders with his skill and pace. He has proven to be both a provider and scorer at every level and with two excellent MLS Academies in Atlanta and Charlotte. He plays with a maturity beyond his years as evident by his success with Crown Legacy FC this season.”

TRISTEN ROSE
Cortland, Ohio
University of Charleston
Defender

Before Maryland: Played collegiate soccer at the University of Charleston. Was named a 2024 Division II Second Team All-American by United Soccer Coaches. Led Charleston to the 2024 Division II National Championship and three consecutive Mountain East Conference championships. Earned All-MEC First Team Honors in 2024. Finished career at Charleston playing in 60 matches with 40 starts. Scored six goals and picked up four assists at Charleston, while logging over 3700 minutes.

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski: “Tristen is a proven winner. His successful experience at D2 powerhouse University of Charleston is proof of his quality. Each year he improved and became the leader of their talented team. He is a top level CB that can play out of the back as well handle the defensive responsibility. He plays with a real focus and intensity on both sides of the ball that will add great value to our back line.”