Father Knew Best for Jason Cropley

Jason Cropley led La Canada High to two Southern Section soccer championships, but his father, who worked on the road, never got a chance to see the finals.

When time came for Cropley to choose a college, his father took matters into his hands to avoid missing any more big games.

After getting a job in Maryland, Dan Cropley told Maryland soccer Coach Sasho Cirovski about his son’s elite skills. Cirovski watched a few videotapes before offering Jason a scholarship to one of the nation’s premier soccer schools.

“It’s one of those intriguing stories,” Cirovski said. “[Jason] and his dad are very close. It has allowed his relationship to flourish.

“I think we really got a break with his dad moving here. It has not only helped us, but it has helped his soccer.”

Cropley’s reunion with his father motivated him to excel in college. The senior is the Terrapins’ second-leading scorer with seven goals and seven assists. He has started every game for Maryland (14-4), which is tied with Furman (18-1-1) for the nation’s No. 6 ranking.

Cropley’s role is two-pronged for the Terrapins. Depending on the opponent, he switches from outside midfielder to forward.

“He’s a real exceptional and dynamic player,” Cirovski said. “He’s one of the best players in the [Atlantic Coast Conference],” Cirovski said. “His first two steps are exceptionally fast. He can turn half-chances into goals.”

Cropley’s talent was overshadowed by the success of La Canada. Despite helping the Spartans to Southern Section titles in 1995 and ‘96, he wasn’t heavily recruited.

“He was under-recruited,” Cirovski said. “We got lucky getting him. He was overshadowed by a lot of players in high school.

“I’m really happy he was able to stay here for four years. He found some stability here.”

His stability has been evident on the playing field, where he has accounted for 29 goals and 18 assists.

Cropley was selected to the All-ACC second team on Wednesday.

A two-goal effort in Maryland’s 2-1 victory over Clemson last week earned him a spot on Soccer America’s team of the week, as well as ACC player of the week.

Maryland begins its quest for a national championship today with a game against Virginia in the first round of the ACC Tournament.

Maryland lost to Stanford, 1-0, on an own goal in the Final Four last year.

“This is my last chance,” said Cropley, who plans to enter the Major League Soccer draft or play overseas after graduation. “If you look at it, I won a [section] championship in high school, the national championship with my club team. The only thing I haven’t won is the college cup.”

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The Pepperdine women’s team wrapped up its best season since 1996 with a 4-0 victory over Gonzaga on Sunday.

Four-time All-Tri-Valley League selection Amy Johnson (Oak Park) scored two second-half goals and former Mission League player of the year Carlie Stokes (Chaminade) scored her first goal of the season.

Four-time All-Marmonte League selection Tasha Spangler (Westlake) led the Waves with 20 points, contributing seven goals and six assists.

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Erin Croasmun (St. Bonaventure) had her season cut short when Ohio Wesleyan lost to Depauw, 1-0, in a Great Lakes Region semifinal last week. The Bishops (19-1) had their 19-game winning streak snapped.

Ohio Wesleyan was ranked No. 2 in Division III in the National College Coaches Assn. of America’s final poll.

Croasmun, a sophomore forward, finished the season with six goals and five assists.

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The success of the UC San Diego men’s team can be partly attributed to two players from the region.

Seniors Cameron Adams (La Canada) and Mike Sanders (Agoura) have combined for eight goals and four assists for the Tritons, ranked No. 4 in the Far West Region in Division III.

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Eric Hass (Chaminade) scored a hat trick in Claremont-Mudd’s 6-1 victory over Whittier on Nov. 3. The sophomore has seven goals and three assists for the Stags (16-3-1), ranked No. 6 in the Far West Region in Division III.

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Kim Nelli had three saves in Cal Lutheran’s 1-1 tie with UC San Diego in a Division III Regional women’s semifinal Saturday. San Diego advanced on penalty kicks, 4-3.

Nelli finished the season with 53 saves and a 1.30 goals-against average for the Regals (15-6-1).