The “Go Green” chants quickly flooded Ludwig Field once the final whistle blew, after No. 7 Maryland men’s soccer failed to capture a win at home in a 2-1 defeat against the No. 19 Michigan State Spartans.
TheTerps suffered their first regular season loss at Ludwig Field since Nov. 3, 2024.
The Spartan attack quickly piled onto the Terrapins from the kickoff, already earning three corner kicks by the 13th minute.
In the 17th minute, a fourth corner kick saw the Spartans add to the scoreboard Ritchie
Ludwig’s pass from the corner flag ricocheted off a defender for an own goal by the Terps.
Michigan State recorded seven shots in the first period and continued to maintain the majority of the match in Terp territory. Maryland struggled to move the ball downfield due to the high press by the Spartans early in the first period.
The Terps finally earned possession and created an attack from a short shirt tug advantage. Forward Said El Eyssami drove past a defender and equalized with a strike to the bottom center of goal past the Spartan keeper in the 34th minute.
Michigan State reacted to Maryland’s equalizer with frustration, as Luke Spadafora received a yellow card.. A second card was given to Spartans forward Ludwig due to a contested tackle.
Momentum switched right after the game-tying goal, allowing Maryland to stay composed and finally pass through Michigan State’s aggressive backline
The first half ended 1-1, showing both teams’ fight in the heated ranked matchup. Shot accuracy improved for the Terps, who fired four out of five shots on target, compared to the Spartans’ two out of nine shots on frame.
Ludwig Field and the Crew remained in high spirits as the second half rolled in.
Both teams exchanged an equal amount of possession early in the half, where the Spartans attempted two shots on target but were saved by Mack.
Free kicks were a major trend from the amount of fouls displayed on both sides. The home crowd made their statement heard with the frustrated groans that repeatedly ended Maryland’s possession.
In the 65th minute, the Spartans found their breakthrough via Andrew Darakdijan.Will Eby generated the cross to the box, and Darakdijan’s shot broke the tie.
Maryland’s defenders routinely left the Spartans too much space, where several attackers had free areas of grass ahead of them that allowed them to threaten Mack.
Save after save helped the Terps hold this game, but they couldn’t capitalize due to the Spartans’ relentless press and interceptions.
The final homestretch approached for Maryland and players grew aware of a needed attack to equalize the deficit.
Two major shots attempted by Maryland in the box went just wide above the goal from a corner and a freekick.
In the 89th minute, Neri attempted one last shot which flew just right of goal.
Maryland failed to equalize the game and lost 2-1 at home to the Spartans. The Terps will next head on the road to play Michigan Oct. 16.
Three things to know
- Corner kick frenzy. Maryland’s backline had to deal with a barrage of Michigan State corner kicks. The Spartans ended with a total of 10 corners, with one being a contributor to the own goal in the first half. The majority of these corners also came close to increasing the Spartans’ lead, but Mack’s seven saves neutralized those efforts.
- Aggressive press led to miscues. Moments where the Terps regained possession were short lived due to the Spartans’ press. Maryland struggled containing the ball and trying to move it downfield, but the majority of the Spartans’ midfield and forwards pressed up on whoever carried possession and produced several interceptions. Those turnovers caused by the Spartans led to strong counterattacks down the field
- Calls ending momentum. Maryland dealt with multiple fouls and calls that halted the creation of scoring chances. Four offsides ended up throwing off Maryland’s attack.
