The talented striker has been a regular for the US National Teams at the Under-17 and Under-20 levels. Last spring, he won the Bronze Shoe at the Under 20 World Championships in Nigeria.

He leaves the University of Maryland, where he was named Soccer America and College Soccer Online Freshman of the Year in 1998, after two seasons. He led the Terps in scoring both years.

Maryland Coach Sasho Cirovski commented, "It's always sad to lose a player of Taylor's quality and character, but I am truly delighted that he's able to pursue his dreams of playing soccer at the highest level. To have a player graduate into the Bundesliga is amazing and this is another positive step for Maryland soccer," said Cirovski.

"It's been a privilege coaching Taylor, and his contributions to our program will always be greatly appreciated. He's been dealing with the prospect of turning pro so regularly that it was gut-wrenching for him to continually put aside all those tempting offers. This was just too good for him to pass up. My only regret is that I won't be able to see him play on TV weekly."

We caught up with Taylor yesterday with the following conversation. Look for more regular reports from and interviews with Taylor on internetsoccer.com , once he gets settled in Munich.

College Soccer Online:You were a big-time baseball player. What persuaded you to choose soccer as a professional pursuit?
Twellman:The decision just came through on its own. I was contemplating baseball pretty seriously out of high school, as the Kansas City Royals were talking to me. But when I started playing with the Under 20s, it was hard to pass over soccer when I could represent my country. Soccer has always been the love of my life.

CSO:What did college soccer do for your development as a player?
Twellman:When I was looking at colleges, I wanted one where I would get the best exposure and best competition. The ACC is the best, no doubt. Plus at Maryland, even our non-conference games were against quality teams, like VCU. The college game helped me physically and mentally to compete. My two seasons were very different as a team. My freshman year, we struggled most of the season, but turned it on late, when it mattered (NCAA Semifinal appearance). But then as a sophomore, we played well until the end. So these two extremes taught me a lot. Sasho Cirovski was perfect for me. He runs a professional environment. You had to earn your spot every day.

CSO:Talk about the decision to leave Maryland after two seasons.
Twellman:My dream has always been to become the best player I can be. It was time to test myself at the next level. It's been a longing to play in a professional league - now I continue my dream.

CSO:What drew you to Germany, the Bundesliga, 1860 Munich?
Twellman:They have always been the ones contacting me since high school, especially 1860. The kept calling and checking on me. I chose them because I wanted a club where I had a good chance to make a go at a first division team. I will come in as a Reserve. There are about 20 players with the First Division team and the rest of us are Reserves. We play a regular schedule in the Third Division, and are currently in fourth place. There are some exciting changes coming up next season for the Third Division such as new sponsors and a television package.

CSO:What do you know about the club's the system of play and your role?
Twellman:They play a possession style and like to attack. It reminds me of the U-20 National Team and our coach, Wolfgang Suhnholz. My job is to be a target player and finish plays - score goals, plain and simple. The club does a great job in developing their youth players and bringing them up into the first team.

CSO:What kind of reception do you expect from your new teammates?
Twellman:I got a good taste when I went over for the trial, January 15-21. I think if I work hard and play within their style and system, they will open up. Plus if I produce, I'll help the team get better - which is what it's all about.

CSO:Do you speak German?
Twellman:Not yet. I took several years of Spanish, but that won't help me. Most of the players speak pretty good English, which helps. But I want to communicate with them in their language obviously. The club provides me a tutor, and with study and the immersion factor, it will take about five months.

CSO:What are you concerned about and excited about in living in Germany?
Twellman:I'm extremely excited about the soccer part, naturally. Practicing at a high level every day will be great. No one there has preconceptions of my play, which is good, so I can prove myself to them each and every day. The thing about soccer is that you can score in four straight games, but it's the fifth and next game that matters. I am a bit nervous about life outside of soccer. Learning German will help that. They set up an apartment for me - I chose to live by myself. Bayern is basically right across the street, so that is incredible.

CSO:What advice have you received from other Americans in Germany?
Twellman:Steve Cherundolo and John Thorrington have been great. I asked them like 20 questions. They enjoy it, especially the soccer aspect. The rest of it, when you get used to it, is fun. Plus Germany is pretty American-friendly.

CSO:What are your personal goals or expectations with 1860 Munich?
Twellman:I'm a big believer that small goals achieve big goals. The first goal is to get into the playing rotation with the Reserves team. If I produce, then it's up to them, not me, when I advance. Of course the first team is my ultimate goal with the club.

CSO:What is the nature of your contract?
Twellman:It's a two-year deal, then at the end of the second year, there is a three year option. That's a pretty long contract. So I'm in there in their future picture. All of the incentives for me personally are based on the team's success. If we win, the players are rewarded, myself included. They did not want to put the pressure on me with personal incentives.

CSO:Why not MLS?
Twellman:It's always been a dream of mine to play in my home country, but I just couldn't pass this chance up. It's such a great opportunity. As I said before, I want to become the best player I can be, and this looked like the best way at this point. Of course I want to help the US game too.

CSO:Talk about your experience in Nigeria with the US Under 20 National Team last summer for the World Championship.
Twellman:It was an amazing experience playing for Sigi Schmid and Wolfgang Suhnholz. It changed me as a player. Wolfgang played for Bayern Munich, and you can't help but listen to all of the advice he has. I was all ears. The experience helped further my transition from an athlete to a player. My teammates, like Chris Albright, were awesome. Plus the competition was amazing, Spain for example. At the Under 17 World Championships in Egypt, we had high expectations but we lost. But this time, with the U-20s in Nigeria, we proved we belong at that level because we won. It was a huge step forward and I'm very proud.

CSO:What are your hopes and dreams with the Olympic Team and full National Team?
Twellman:It's hard to explain. Just putting on the US jersey is a dream, an honor. Representing your country is the best, and I just hope I can do it again.

CSO:How will playing in Germany both help and hinder your opportunities with the US National Team programs?
Twellman:It will help me tons as a player as I will be competing with and against international players on a daily basis. The down part is that Bruce (Arena) and Clive (Charles) don't get to see me play. All I can hope is that I will be called in again to show my improving level. My goal is to become a better player and 1860 is a great way to accomplish that.

CSO:What do you attribute your success to?
Twellman:The backyard, no doubt about it. My dad (Tim Twellman) played for both the Minnesota Kicks and Chicago Sting in the NASL, so I've been around it my whole life. He has constantly given me great advice.

CSO:What's special about you as a player?
Twellman:I love to score goals. The goal box is my territory. I've always been that way, I guess it's innate.

CSO:Any advice for young Americans behind you who aspire to play for the National Team programs and in a world class league like the Bundesliga?
Twellman:First, always be positive. Turn any negatives that come along into positives. I've had trying times too. You must be open to learning. Second, you've always got to be playing. Not enough kids play enough. You go down the street in our country and there are always pick-up basketball games going on. In Germany, those same kids are playing soccer non-stop. It's a great game, so jump into it all the way.