Maryland men’s soccer vs. Georgetown preview

Following a disappointing loss in its first road game of the season against Virginia (3-1), Maryland men’s soccer (1-2-1) will host Georgetown (2-1-1) back on its home turf. 

The Terps have a lot to improve upon after yet another disappointing result against the Cavaliers. The team lost not only its ranking, but all votes it had been receiving to stay in the AP poll.

The team’s offensive struggles continued against Virginia, as it failed to find a tying goal through the majority of the match. Outside of the quick response to Virginia’s opening goal, Maryland was unable to capitalize on its control over possession in the second half.

Maryland has now scored a measly three goals in its first four games of the season. 

“[We need to have] a little more creativity and a bit more willingness to get inside the box and … get some crosses in,” senior forward Stefan Copetti said. “[We need] a little more of what we see is working against each team and capitalizing on those opportunities.”

To add to the offensive woes, coach Sasho Cirovski continues to search for the team’s penalty-taker after the second consecutive game that the Terps have failed to convert from the spot. 

This time it was freshman forward Luke Van Heukelum who couldn’t convert the chance to possibly salvage a tie. On Friday it was Copetti who couldn’t cash in the potential game winner, leaving Cirovski with a decision: stick by his top forwards or turn somewhere else. 

Cirovski also cited fatigue as potentially the biggest reason behind the loss. Both teams throughout the game struggled with cramps and injury, but it was Maryland who was unable to convert with the many chances they had towards the end, while Virginia was able to sit back in defense. 

“We looked very heavy-legged, very tired,” Cirovski said. “The heat I think we really struggled with … That was not the kind of performance we need to have on the road against a good Virginia team.”

Despite the many offensive issues, it wasn’t all bad for the Terps, as a star could be brewing in College Park. Freshman midfielder Kimani Stewart-Baynes has looked brilliant, and with his recent play will be a key to a potential win versus Georgetown.

Stewart-Baynes has served as a jolt of energy for the Terps, tearing up opposing defenses with his individual expertise on the ball. The freshman almost scored a goal early in the second half against the Cavaliers, firing a shot that grazed the outside of the post. 

Maryland will need his offensive firepower if it wants to have a chance at beating an offensively-charged Georgetown team. 

In short, where Maryland has stumbled, Georgetown has thrived to begin the season. Although the Hoyas lost their preseason ranking, they are still receiving votes with the team yet to lose outside of a 5-1 blowout at the hands of No. 1 Stanford. 

The Hoyas’ blueprint to winning games has been centered around an excellent offensive attack, scoring a prolific 2.75 goals per game.

Both senior midfielder Kyle Linhares and sophomore forward Jacob Murrell have equaled Maryland’s total team goals themselves, having three goals apiece. Linhares will be a key cog in the midfield against the Terps, also having two assists to his name. 

Georgetown’s biggest weakness so far has been its defense, where it has allowed 2.75 goals per game. It racked up seven shutouts last season but has been unable to replicate that defensive success thus far. 

The defense is headlined by senior defender Kenny Nielsen and senior goalkeeper Ryan Schewe. Both will be looking to capitalize on a struggling Maryland offense.

Maryland’s offense will be looking to do the exact opposite, turning around its previous efforts and looking to net multiple goals in a game for the second time this season. 

Kickoff from Ludwig Field is set for 7 p.m. on Friday.