Four Maryland men’s soccer players were chosen in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday. 

Sadam Masereka, the Terps’ leading scorer this season, was selected 34th overall by Sporting Kansas City. The Portland Timbers took fellow forward Colin Griffith 45th, while D.C. United picked winger Stephane Njike and center back Lasse Kelp in the third round.

Sporting Kansas City — who also selected midfielder Leon Koehl in last year’s draft — is Masereka’s third stop since moving to the United States. 

The Ugandan forward began his collegiate career at Lindsey Wilson College, an NAIA school in Kentucky. He logged 22 goals and seven assists in two seasons with the Blue Raiders.    

Those numbers, paired with his unique speed, propelled Masereka to the Division I level ahead of his junior season.

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As a first-team All-Big Ten selection this year, Masereka scored nine goals and tallied five assists. He became the first Terp to score a first-half hat trick in more than two decades in Maryland’s win over Michigan State on Nov. 7.

“That kid can run all day,” coach Sasho Cirovski said. “It’s incredible.”

Njike occupied the wing opposite Masereka for a majority of 2025. 

The French forward broke out his signature handspring-into-backflip celebration after scoring in the Terps’ home-opener against Bucknell this year. It was a precursor to an illustrious season.

Njike was a First Team All-Big Ten performer after logging seven goals and seven assists. He profiles professionally as a well-rounded forward with strong dribbling and creation skills.

His offense was complimented by Kelp’s defense. Under the German center back, Maryland allowed the fewest goals of any Big Ten team this season.

Kelp, a first-team All-Conference selectee and MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, possesses an ideal blend of defensive speed, strength, and durability. He played every minute for the Terps in 2025.  Masereka, Njike and Kelp received invites to last week’s MLS College Showcase. Their selections were anticipated.

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But Griffith missed the season while recovering from surgery. He led Maryland’s attack in 2024 with a team-high six open play goals. 

The NCAA’s medical redshirt rules would allow Griffith to return to Maryland if chooses. Njike also has eligibility remaining. His decision on turning professional will be vital to a Maryland team that loses an abundance of talent this offseason.