Maryland men’s soccer looks to finish atop the Big Ten in season finale

Photo by Mackenzie Miles/Maryland Terrapins. Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics.

Two years ago, Maryland men’s soccer didn’t win a single conference match. 

This season, the Terps have won seven and have an opportunity to stand alone as the only undefeated team in the Big Ten on Friday night.

No. 1 Maryland (11-0-3, 7-0-2 Big Ten) will face Michigan State (5-7-3, 2-4-3 Big Ten) at DeMartin Soccer Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Friday for its final match of the regular season. 

Maryland enters Friday’s contest coming off a 1-0 victory against No. 15 Washington. The win continued the Terps’ best season and conference start since 2016, when the Terps went undefeated throughout the regular season and conference play. 

The two Maryland teams have displayed similar styles of play, as six shutouts contributed to Maryland’s undefeated streak nine years ago. This season, the Terps have recorded eight shutouts. 

The Terps’ defensive additions this season have greatly contributed to their stout defense. Senior transfers such as Lasse Kelp and Tristen Rose have locked down the backline this season. 

The defensive duo was noticeable in Maryland’s match against Washington, minimizing scoring opportunities from forward Charlie Kosakoff and midfielder Zach Ramsey. Prior to the match, Kosakoff and Ramsey ranked inside the Big Ten’s top five in goal scoring, but only combined for two shots when facing Kelp and Rose. 

“I think the key to our success has been a team that’s been very connected, and very proud of what we do as a team defensively,” head coach Sasho Cirovski said. 

The Terps offense created multiple scoring opportunities before senior midfielder Albi Ndrenika netted the game’s only goal in the 83rd minute on a fortunate bounce.

“I think that it’s very important for us to be also focused on winning the moments in transition and making sure we’re going to the defensive side of the ball,” Cirovski said.

The Spartans enter Friday’s match off a 1-1 draw against Rutgers, with a late goal by junior forward Richie Ludwig evening the game with ten minutes left. Ludwig leads Michigan State in goals with four.

Redshirt senior goalkeeper Zac Kelly recorded three saves throughout the match to ensure a draw. Kelly has recorded 38 saves this season and holds a 0.667 save percentage.

Maryland holds an 8-6-6 series record over Michigan State. Last season, the Terps defeated the Spartans 2-1 with senior forward Sadam Masereka scoring the decisive goal to seal the victory. Masereka is one of Maryland’s lead goal-scorers this season with six, tied with sophomore forward Stephane Njike. 

While Michigan State is officially eliminated from the Big Ten Tournament, a win for Maryland would secure a regular-season Big Ten conference title for the first time since 2022.

“We want to be absorbed in the substance of playing, and not concerned with the outcome,” Cirovski said. “That’s the way we’re approaching it.”