15,500+ Turn Out for Terps Title Triumph

Crowds of 8,645 and 6,922 turned out Friday and Sunday, respectively, to see Maryland win the NCAA Men's College Cup at SAS Soccer Park in Cary. This was Maryland's fourth straight trip to the final four of men's soccer but the first time they were able to seal the deal. The Terps found victory on the back of Marc Burch's deflected free kick goal in the first half and Chris Seitz' penalty save in the second half en route to a 1-0 victory. SAS Soccer Park has become a favorite destination of the NCAA for its consistent crowds and cozy environment. The women's College Cup returns to Cary in 2006 and then the men again in 2007. "It's our expectation to have at least one here every year," said Charlie Slagle, the CASL president who runs the event with N.C. State and Cary. Terry Gawlik, the chair of the NCAA Committee for men's soccer, isn't ready to make an annual commitment. "We'd like to move it around the country because you want to market your sport," Gawlik said. "But this was a great environment and the crowds came." Slagle said CASL, N.C. State and Cary will put in a bid in February 2007 for future championships.

-- Jarrett @ 12/12/2005 03:13:00 PM