In two seasons, former midfielder Mael Corboz became a star for the Maryland soccer program. Corboz transferred from Rutgers before his junior year, and immediately played a key role for the Terps. He was named the Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Offensive Player that season, and he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in both of his years in College Park.
Corboz’s college career ended when the Terps lost to Clemson in the 2015 NCAA Tournament quarterfinals, but he continues to play soccer at a high level.
Living in Duisburg, Germany, Corboz signed last week with MSV Duisburg of the German league, Bundesliga. He has since seen action in one contest.
“The numbers haven’t been great,” Corboz said, “but the soccer is really very good.”
Corboz is taking German classes but said he manages because everyone speaks some degree of English. He also has some family in France and Belgium he hopes to visit in the offseason.
Despite the six-hour time difference from Maryland, Corboz still keeps tabs on the Terps. He’s been impressed with his former team so far, even telling those around him they’re this year’s national-title favorites.
Looking back on his career in College Park, Corboz said he cherished competing under the lights Friday nights at Ludwig Field. Corboz said nothing, not even the pros, can recreate the atmosphere of more than 8,000 college students welcoming him with rabid screams.
“For me it was about being a part of such a historic program,” Corboz said. “There’s such an aura of history and success that sticks out.”
