Center back is a thankless role.
The position’s primary responsibility is to prevent goals, which takes away the most entertaining aspect of soccer. Central defenders also have limited counting stats to quantify their on-field impact, so they receive little praise for their efforts.
But for Maryland men’s soccer, dependable performances from its versatile center backs have keyed the Terps’ undefeated start in 2025. Seniors Lasse Kelp and Tristen Rose lead a backline that is yet to concede a goal from open play through the first three games of the year.
“We’ve got two really experienced, mature leaders back there,” coach Sasho Cirovski said. “You’ve seen their quality show in the first couple of weekends.”
The pair of transfers faced lofty expectations given the players they were replacing.
Veteran defenders Bjarne Thiesen and William Kulvik were Maryland’s primary center back options in 2024, with the latter earning First Team All-Big Ten honors. Each departed during the offseason, with Kelp and Rose arriving in their place this spring.
The duo developed a synergy away from the field, which has translated to success during the young season.
[Young additions fueled Maryland football’s defensive success in season opener]
“The relationship off the pitch always reflects on how we play together on the pitch,” Kelp said. “[We] have similar interests, and the most important thing, we have the same goal. We both want to play professionally, we both want to win a championship with this team this year.”
They effectively shielded goalkeeper Laurin Mack during the opening stretch of games — specifically in Maryland’s two most recent matches.
Mack made a career-high six saves in the Terps’ season-opening win at then-No. 25 Georgetown. More cohesive displays from Rose and Kelp limited opponents to just eight total shots in the pair of games that Maryland played this past weekend.
While that was partially a reflection of Rose and Kelp’s ability to strip opponents in the attacking third, both central defenders spent ample time with the ball at their feet.
Facing a defensive-minded Saint Francis team on Monday night, Maryland’s attacks needed to be calculated. That left Rose and Kelp as the focal points for many forward pushes, as the Terps’ build-up play frequently originated from the back line.
“We want to be a team that builds through the lines,” Cirovski said. “It’s very important to have center backs not only in possession that can make the game, but also care enough about their defending to handle the transition moments.”
[Maryland men’s soccer shuts out Saint Francis in 6-0 win]
The only significant blip for either defender this past weekend came on an 84th-minute corner in Friday’s draw against Bucknell.
With the Terps leading by a goal, the 6-foot-2 Rose lost an aerial duel to defender Ben Sheffield, who is two inches taller, for the Bisons’ equalizing score.
While neither Maryland center back towers over others on the pitch, the 6-foot-3 Kelp — the Terps’ tallest outfield player — has been a considerable threat during attacking set pieces. He nearly scored from a corner on Monday.
With the Terps and Red Flash in a first-half deadlock, Luca Costabile sent an inswinging cross to the back post. Kelp dodged several defenders and teammates, meeting the ball for a free header.
The senior beat Saint Francis’ keeper by sending his attempt across the face of the goal. The ball was inches from the goal line when an offside teammate tapped it into the net.
Kelp later earned compensation for the nullified score. He grabbed an assist in the second half after starting the attacking move for Albi Ndrenika’s goal.
While the attacking numbers look flashy, Kelp sees them as complementary given his positional role.
“My main responsibility is to make sure we keep as many clean sheets as possible, and be the best defensive team in the country,” Kelp said.
Rose and Kelp are rarely praised for fulfilling that responsibility, but their contributions should continue to benefit the Terps across the pitch throughout their 2025 campaign.
