Maryland men’s soccer upsets No. 8 Wisconsin 3-0

Photo courtesy of Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

Colin Griffith received the ball in the 53rd minute, teed up a shot and smashed the ball into the top right netting to open up a three-goal Terps’ lead. The junior scored his second goal in two matches after going his entire sophomore year without scoring. 

“He had a very difficult injury year last year,” coach Sasho Cirovski said. “We challenged Colin to put in the work this summer to be fit so that he can utilize his skill set, and he did the work this summer. So far, he’s having his best year at Maryland by a long shot.” 

Maryland men’s soccer (3-1-3, 1-0 Big Ten) defeated No. 8 Wisconsin (5-1, 0-1 Big Ten), 3-0, earning its first top-ten victory since defeating ​​UNC Greensboro early last season. 

Cirovski’s squad entered the match having scored multiple goals in just two of their first six games. But everything clicked on a special night at Ludwig Field. Maryland showed the versatility of its attack with three different players ending up on the scoresheet. 

The Terps took the fight to Wisconsin (5-0, 0-1) early. Max Rogers played as a striker leading the line in the absence of injured Luke van Heukelum. Rogers nearly put the Terps in the lead in the 16th minute, ripping a shot that bounced off the post. That chance led to a corner sequence where Chris Steinleitner fired a shot into the bottom right corner to score his first Maryland goal. 

The Maryland offense was dangerous off of set pieces all night. Rogers served up a free kick in the 47th minute, and Steinleitner nodded to Thiesen, who headed in a goal from close range to double the lead.

Thiesen, a transfer from West Virginia, played his first full game since returning from an injury that kept him out for the first five games. He showed his value as a quality defender and threat on set pieces due to his excellent heading ability. 

“Just awesome,” Thiesen said. “I mean, it’s my last year. Like every game, every minute I miss just hurts. And then coming back and being able to really help the team, exactly what I want to do.” 

Rogers pulled the strings in the attack, putting in crosses that led to goal-scoring chances. He assisted the third goal, setting up Griffith’s brilliant strike. 

Several Maryland players returned after being rested against San Diego State on Monday. Alex Nitzl defended well and provided leadership to the backline. Steinleitner stepped into the midfield and impacted the match on both ends, providing the opening goal and breaking up opposing attacks. 

Goalie Laurin Mack wasn’t called upon often but recorded three saves and made an important stop in the 6th minute to prevent Roberto Burlew from scoring.

Wisconsin controlled play with 58% possession in the first half following Maryland’s goal but the Terps dropped back and defended as a team, frustrating the Badgers’ attack. Maryland didn’t give the Badgers any chances, clearing the ball when necessary instead of attempting to play out the back.

The Terps’ center-backs were tasked with the challenge of defending star striker Dean Boltz, tied for second-most in the nation with seven goals. But Boltz only recorded one shot attempt. Maryland successfully shackled the explosive Wisconsin offense, holding it to two shots with one on target in the first half.

“We decided on rotating a little bit, and we tried a 4-3-3 instead of a 4-4-2,” Steinleitner said. “And I think in the defensive shape, that definitely benefited us. We just defended the box like we should and we didn’t concede.” 

The Badgers generated more looks in the second half with eight shot attempts, but only one on goal.

Maryland will look to keep the momentum rolling when the Terps travel to face Indiana in Bloomington next Friday.