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Donovan Pines leaving Maryland soccer team to pursue pro opportunities

Donovan Pines, a towering defensive anchor during Maryland’s improbable run to the NCAA soccer championship last month, will forgo his final year of eligibility to pursue a pro career, Terrapins Coach Sasho Cirovski said Tuesday.

Pines, a 6-foot-5 junior center back, has hired an agent and begun talks with D.C. United, which is seeking to sign him to a homegrown contract, multiple people said. As a graduate of United’s academy system, he is not eligible for the MLS draft Friday or to sign directly with another team in the league unless D.C. renounces or trades his rights.