Friday night’s matchup between No. 2 Maryland men’s soccer and No. 14 Washington was the premier game of the day. Two of the hottest teams in the country — the Terps on a four-game winning streak and Washington with
six straight victories — squared off in a pivotal Big Ten match.
For 45 minutes, neither side generated much offense. But the tide changed with just seven minutes left. Maryland — which had scored 25 of its 35 goals in the second half — broke the deadlock.
The ball cycled around the box and to the foot of Sadam Masereka, who delivered a dangerous cross into the crowded area in the 83rd minute. Washington goalie Jadon Bowton came out to collect it, but the ball wiggled free of his gloves. Albi Ndrenika pounced, burying the ball into the back of the net. Ludwig Field erupted.
In a matchup between the top two teams in the Big Ten, Ndrenika’s third score of the season propelled Maryland in front with time winding down. The Terps’ defense held strong for a 1-0 victory, vaulting them on top of the conference standings.
“As I shifted to the number nine this year, I just try to be on the end of a lot of second balls,” Ndrenika said. “When [Joseph] went up for the ball, I was just like where can I put myself in a position to get this wherever it goes. Just being switched on constantly when you’re in the box, it’s something we’ve worked on in training.”
The top-15 clash featured two of the Big Ten’s most complete teams.
Maryland entered with just nine goals conceded — fewest in the Big Ten — and 35 goals scored. Washington held the second-best offense in the conference and had allowed only one goal over the previous six games.
Early on, it looked like the Huskies were content with a scoreless draw. Operating in a low defensive block, Washington only broke out of its shell in an effort to catch Maryland out in transition. It didn’t produce much success.
Laurin Mack had just one save in the first half, and it was off a cross that the German goalkeeper easily collected.
“I thought Laurin was very composed in the back. Every time there was a fire, he put it out,” head coach Sasho Cirovski said.
The Terps’ best chances early on came off the boot of Stephane Njike. In the 15th minute, he received a pass in a pocket of space just outside the box, but his effort was blocked.
Njike nearly broke the deadlock soon after. Sadam Masereka weaved his way through the crowded box and picked out Njike patiently waiting near the top. Without any hesitation, the LIU transfer fired a first time effort that clanged off the near post.
Njike was responsible for each of Maryland’s three shots in the first half, but only one was directed on frame.
After halftime, both sides showed more sustained offensive pressure. The Terps and Washington came out with a rejuvenated energy and more zip on their passes. The offense began to benefit, with four shots in the opening five minutes.
“When you have this much experience on the field and this is the final year of eligibility [for the seniors], I think there was a lot of push by the whole team to make sure they walked out of here with a smile on their faces.”
Huskies midfielder Cameron Cruz troubled Mack for the first time all game. The junior cut inside on his right foot and sent a curling effort that left Mack outstretched. While the sophomore goalkeeper grasped the ball in his gloves, the shot was a sign of Washington’s growing offensive threats.
Even when it looked like Maryland was in trouble, Lasse Kelp and Tristen Rose came up with timely interventions. The center back pairing blocked a handful of shots, including some with the rest of the Terps’ defense caught out in transition.
“Lasse and Tristen are probably the best center back partnership in the league,” Cirovski said. “The chemistry those guys developed in one year was pretty remarkable.”
Njike whistled a pair of chances just past the far post before Ndrenika found the game-winner.
Three things to know
1. Unbeaten run continues. Maryland’s toughest game of the season resulted in some nervy second-half moments, but the experienced squad prevailed with a slim victory. The Terps are unbeaten through 14 games for the first time since 2016 heading into the season-finale against Michigan State.
2. Maryland controls its own destiny. With its 1-0 victory, Maryland has its fourth Big Ten regular season title in its hands. If the Terps get all three points next week, they will claim the top seed heading into the conference tournament. A tie against Michigan State would guarantee at least a share of the title.
3. Ranked success. It seems like Maryland’s level rises against top-25 opponents, and tonight was no different. The Terps weathered some of Washington’s dangerous attacks in the second half and flipped the momentum late with the goal. Maryland has five ranked wins on its resume, fueling its case to claim the top spot in the nation
