Preview: Maryland men’s soccer prepares to host Michigan in Big Ten opener

Maryland men’s soccer (1-2-1) will look to bounce back versus Michigan (1-2-2) in its first Big Ten conference game of the season. 

Maryland is coming off a loss to Virginia after its match against Georgetown was postponed due to inclement weather. However, the Terps will certainly be well rested due to the extended nine-day break. This is good news for a team that looked fatigued in the loss in Charlottesville, according to coach Sasho Cirovski. 

“We looked very heavy-legged, very tired,” Cirovski said after the match. “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 a disappointing record to begin the season, Cirovski is optimistic about what he’s seen from the team during its difficult schedule.

“This is exactly what we want out of these first four games…to be challenged, to be dealing with some adversity,” Cirovski said. “I think we have had the opportunity to reset ourselves and tomorrow’s the start of the next chapter of the season.” 

Michigan is in a similar spot as Maryland, also looking to get back in the win column. The Wolverines have lost back-to-back matches on the road and now face a third test away from home against the Terps. 

As far as Big Ten play goes, Michigan can only go up after finishing dead last a season ago with a record of 1-6-1. In last year’s matchup between Maryland and Michigan, the Terps came out on top with a 2-1 victory on the road. 

Despite this and Michigan’s recent struggles, Maryland senior goalkeeper Jamie Lowell is certain the team will not take its opponent lightly. 

“Every team in the Big Ten is good, every team can hurt you,” Lowell said. “Last year we had success against them, but that was last year. It’s a whole new year, whole new team…we just gotta go in and play our best soccer.” 

The one bright spot for Michigan thus far is its performance against No. 3 Akron, whom they tied against 1-1. The match remains as Akron’s only non-win so far this season, and certainly the Wolverines’ best opponent up to this point. 

For the Terps, a big part of getting back on track will be captain Alex Nitzl playing a central role in the midfield against Michigan. Nitzl dealt with COVID and an injury to begin the season, which derailed much of the fitness he built in the summer. After starting a couple games in a row, Nitzl said he’s back to his old strength and ready to make a mark.  

Cirovski is also looking forward to watching Nitzl slip back into form, as he knows the team’s leader has the potential to take the team up a step. 

“He’s really like a coach on the field,” Cirovski said. “He knows the right words to say at the right time. He knows how to solve problems out on the field. He inspires our team with a lot of confidence.” 

For Michigan, freshman forward Alex Waggoner looks to be the biggest threat on offense. Waggoner is the Wolverines’ only player with multiple goals on the season and has put 80% of his shots on goal. 

On the other side of the ball, defender Nolan Miller will lead the charge for the Wolverines. The sophomore received All Big Ten Freshman team honors a season ago, leading the team with over 1,400 minutes. This season, he has yet to take a break, playing all 90 minutes of every match. 

Kickoff at Ludwig Field is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday.