July 29, 2003

Major League Soccer is a showcase for many of the world's most gifted soccer players, several of whom compete on their respective country's World Cup squad every fourth year. Among these phenomenal talents, no one possesses a knack for scoring quite like Taylor Twellman, who is one of four former Terrapins presently on an MLS roster.

The New England Revolution striker, who played at Maryland from 1998-1999, regained the league lead in points via two goals in a 4-2 loss at the expense of D.C. United on July 27. Twellman's two goals give him 12 on the year and 28 points to lead all players. Recently named to his second-consecutive all-star game, Twellman has peppered opposing goaltenders with 36 shots on goal, doubling the number posted by any other Revolution member. In just his second year with MLS, he has netted game-winning goals in three of the five Revolution's victories.

Last year, as a rookie, Twellman won the Budweiser Scoring Championship, registering 23 goals and six assists for a total of 52 points. However, in MVP balloting, he finished runner-up to L.A. Galaxy superstar, and fellow rookie Carlos Ruiz. The two young superstars battled in the 2002 MLS Cup championship in which the Galaxy defeated the Revolution 1-0 on Ruiz' golden goal in the 113th minute.

Joining Twellman in the Revolution lineup is Leo Cullen, the 1997 ACC Player of the Year at Maryland. The seasoned veteran has started in 16 of the team's 17 contests, distributing two assists and helping control the pace of games from his midfield position.

Nick Downing was selected by New England with the 21st selection in the 2001 SuperDraft, but is currently playing with Nike's Project-40 Team, a developmental squad created to enhance the talent pool in MLS. A project-40 player does not count against a team's roster or salary cap until he completes the program. During his three years in College Park, Downing started on defense in each of the 59 games in which he took part.

Danny Califf will represent the host city of Los Angeles in the upcoming all-star game. A member of the Terrapins' 1998 Final Four team, Califf has emerged as a staple in the Galaxy lineup day in and day out. The savvy defender was an integral part of the Galaxy's banner season in 2002, which culminated with the 1-0 victory over Twellman, Cullen and the Revolution.

The Major League Soccer all-star game will be held on Saturday, August 2, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Coverage of the game begins at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.