Short-handed Maryland men’s soccer suffers 1-1 draw against San Diego State

Photo courtesy of Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

Maryland’s joint leading scorer Luke Van Heukelum broke away for a one-on-one with the keeper in the 54th minute, looking to net a winner. But a chasing defender forced him to shank his shot way off target. Van Heukelum also picked up an injury on the play. 

Maryland men’s soccer drew 1-1 against San Diego State (3-2-1) in a physical game that featured 33 fouls and 11 yellow cards. 

The Terps (2-1-3) rested usual starters Laurin Mack, Leon Koehl and Alex Nitzl in anticipation of their matchup against No. 10 Wisconsin looming on Friday. Maryland clearly missed the trio’s leadership and reliable performances.

“We’re just trying to manage some minutes,” coach Sasho Cirovski said. “We have a big match coming up on Friday, so we’re just trying to rotate the squad a little bit.” 

The Terps faced another physical opponent after Brown committed 19 fouls in their last match. San Diego State committed 23 fouls and picked up 7 yellow cards, mucking up the match and making it last over 2 hours in real-time. The stop-start nature played a part in Maryland’s difficulty finding an offensive rhythm. 

“I expected them to play more soccer,” Cirovski said. “College games are physical in general, but they set the tone of their physicality with six calls in the first five minutes of the match.” 

The Terps lifted crosses into the box but struggled to create many early goal-scoring chances. Both sides attempted only three shots apiece in the first half. 

Bjarne Thiesen headed the ball toward goal off a well-placed free kick from Max Rogers in the fourth minute, forcing a diving save from goalie Eddy Vargas. 

The Aztecs attempted just one shot on goal in the first half but took advantage of their opportunity. Rommee Jaridly crossed the ball on a quick counter to Austin Brummett, who headed in a goal in the 15th minute after losing his marker William Kulvik. The Terps previously conceded first this season against Georgetown and Virginia.  

But like in the Virginia match, Maryland found an equalizer. Brian St. Martin slipped past his defender in the 23rd minute and floated a cross to Colin Griffith, who volleyed his shot into the net. Griffith scored his fourth career goal and first since his freshman season.  

“Obviously, it feels really good to get one,” Griffith said. “When you get one, more usually come. Getting one is a relief, and hopefully, I keep doing it, I feel like I will.” 

Cristiano Fitzgerald, the speedy winger brought over from Portugal, again showed flashes but couldn’t find a finishing product. He arrived with much mystique as a late addition to the squad almost two weeks ago but has yet to deliver a signature performance. 

The Terps began to push for a goal in the final 30 minutes of the second half but it was a case of close misses. Rogers almost grabbed the lead with a long-distance shot, forcing another athletic save from Vargas.

Maryland’s shooting woes continued as Kenny Quist-Therson waited until he had almost dribbled into the goalie to fire a close-range shot in the 71st minute. Vargas again made the save, his third of the match, but injured himself on the play. The Aztecs were forced to sub in backup Djibril Doumbia. 

San Diego State thought it had equalized in the 79th minute when Robbie Matei beat the keeper off a fast counter-attack but the goal was ruled offside and the match ended in a draw.

Bjarne Thiesen started at center back, making his first appearance since returning from an injury. He was subbed after 25 minutes, and replaced by Mack DeVries, also making his first appearance this year. Coach Sasho Cirovski put Thiesen back in for the final 15 minutes as he worked his way back to full-match fitness. 

The Terps will look to get back in the win column in the highly anticipated match with No. 10 Wisconsin on Friday at 7:30 p.m.