Maryland’s Laurin Mack shines in 1-1 draw against Virginia

Photo courtesy of Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

Freshman goalie Laurin Mack had already produced one save on a breakaway when he faced a pressure-packed one-on-one in the 78th minute against attacker Hayes Wood, who had broken through the Maryland defense. Mack showed composure beyond his years by coming out and saving Wood’s shot to keep the match scoreless. 

Luca Costabile then cleared the ball before a follow-up shot could be created. 

“I was just sprinting back and saw a huge counter-attack,” Costabile said. “Laurin made a huge save there, and I just saw the ball and had to clear it, so I made the play.”

Maryland men’s soccer (1-1-2) drew 1-1 with Virginia (2-1-1) in a tense rivalry match marked by two penalty goals and 29 total fouls. Mack produced three important saves to secure a result for Maryland. 

“Laurin’s a class keeper,” coach Sasho Cirovski said. “When we brought him in last spring, we saw him do this in a couple of spring games, and we knew that he’s going to have his moments to do that. We expect more of that rest of the way.” 

The Terps’ energy in the press helped them seize an early control of the game. Maryland counteracted the Cavaliers’ excellence on the ball by keeping possession for large periods and not allowing Virginia to get comfortable. 

The Cavaliers finally had their first real chance of the match in the 13th minute. Triton Beauvois found himself in space in the penalty box but pushed his shot wide.

Virginia enjoyed a short period of control following the shot but Maryland responded by pressing forward and producing the game’s first dangerous chances.  

In the 18th minute, Leon Koehl received a perfect ball into the box, but his volley drifted wide. A minute later, Luca Costabile had his close-range shot blocked out of bounds. 

On the other end, Reese Miller was clear through for a one-on-one chance in the 35th minute but Mack produced a brilliant save to keep it scoreless. 

But Virginia found a breakthrough a minute later when Max Riley caught Umberto Pelá’s leg and took him down in the box for a penalty. Nick Dang stepped up to the spot and calmly buried the penalty to put the Cavaliers ahead.

Costabile impacted the left side all game with his endless energy and pace. He helped the Terps equalize after he was tackled in the box for a penalty. Koehl stepped up and slid his shot just under the goalie’s arm to tie the match.

“I’m proud of Leon,” Cirovski said. “Because last year we were zero for four on penalties, and last spring, he decided he wanted to take on that responsibility. It takes courage to step up there, and he certainly has plenty of that.” 

The Terps were again the more dynamic attacking team early in the second half. The first chance of the half fell to Maryland. Koehl and Costabile produced another good passing sequence leading to a Costabile shot in the 56th minute that he lifted over the goal.

Costabile was active on both ends, sliding into Daniel Mangrove from behind and not getting the ball in the 58th minute. The referee reviewed the play for a red card but the left back ultimately escaped with just a yellow.

Mack generated his best performance yet in goal, producing his third save against another Wood shot in the 88th minute to seal the draw.

Maryland will look to turn its recent positive performances into a second victory when the Terps take on Brown next Friday at Ludwig Field.