While No. 4 Maryland men’s soccer’s ascension toward the top of the national poll has been relatively steady — the Terps have risen 19 spots over the past four weeks — its dominance throughout the season
has been unmatched.
Outside of its disappointing road draws to Penn State and UCLA, Maryland has cruised through one of the most difficult conferences, outscoring Big Ten opponents by 13 combined goals. Backed by the second-most potent attack in the country and a stout backline, the Terps have positioned themselves to secure a 25th conference regular season title.
But Maryland doesn’t have any easy games remaining on its schedule. That starts with one of the most storied rivalries in college soccer. Despite joining the Big Ten in 2014, the Terps and No. 14 Indiana have produced tons of exhilarating matches. The two programs have combined for 12 national championships, staying relevant year after year.
“If you look at our national rivalry with Indiana, we had one long before we entered the Big Ten, and now that rivalry has only grown stronger and stronger,” head coach Sasho Cirovski said. “The level of respect between the two programs is unmatched.”
Friday’s matchup will be Maryland’s toughest regular season clash, but if it hopes to embark on a deep postseason run, the Terps will need to secure all three points. The game starts at 8 p.m. and will be streamed on Big Ten Network.
No. 14 Indiana Hoosiers (11-3-1, 4-3-0 Big Ten)
2024 record: (11-5-5, 7-1-2 Big Ten)
Following his successful playing days in college and professionally, head coach Todd Yeagley was expected to be a prominent coaching figure after returning to his alma mater. Yeagley’s tenure at Indiana has lived up to the billing. Across his 16 years at the helm, he has the most wins in the country (204) and produced five College Cup appearances.
Despite extending their NCAA Tournament streak to 38 years, last season was a disappointing one for the Hoosiers. After entering the tournament as the No. 14 team in the country, Indiana only won one game in the postseason before falling to No. 3 seed Denver in the round of 16. The Hoosiers ended the regular season on a seven-game winning streak but fell short of expectations.
Facing one of the most difficult nonconference slates in the country, with four ranked games on the schedule, Indiana survived with just one blemish on its record: a 2-2 tie against then-No. 9 Clemson. While the Hoosiers suffered three early losses in Big Ten play, they have regrouped and enter Friday’s match with tons of momentum.
Players to watch
Palmer Ault, senior forward, No. 10 — Following three exceptional seasons at Butler, Ault was a highly-touted transfer portal piece. He hasn’t disappointed. The homegrown product is second in the country with 14 goals and has caught fire down the stretch. Ault has totaled six scores over the past four games, including a brace against then-No. 25 Kentucky. He also has dished out a team-high eight assists.
Alex Barger, junior defender, No. 13 — The No. 26-ranked recruit in the class of 2023 quickly became a staple on the left flank, starting all 23 games his freshman campaign. As one of two returners from the backline last season, Barger has experience roaming up and down the pitch. He has logged a team-high 1,276 minutes, alongside three goals and two assists this season.
Collins Oduro, junior forward, No. 11 — Oduro didn’t waste much time making a name for himself in college soccer after a strong freshman season. The Ghana native has totaled 55 starts across his three years at Indiana. Wreaking havoc on the right wing, Oduro has contributed six assists and four goals, linking up with Ault on several excellent crosses.
Strength
Goal scoring. While Ault is having one of the best attacking campaigns in recent time, the Hoosiers have several dangerous weapons behind him. Fourteen players have netted goals this season, fueling the eighth-best offense in the nation. Indiana has found its form after getting shut out by No. 17 Washington, exploding for 18 goals over its last four games.
Weakness
Slowing down opposing attacks. The Hoosiers’ defensive struggles have been overshadowed by a stellar four-game offensive stretch. Despite finding success after turning to freshman goalie Judewellin Michel during the win streak, Indiana has only racked up four shutouts this season — three of which came during nonconference play over a month ago.
Three things to watch
1. Can the Terps slow down Ault? If there’s any backline in the country that can hold Ault scoreless, it’s Maryland. After Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Ohio State, the Terps have yet to concede a goal in their last four games. The center back pairing of Lasse Kelp and Tristen Rose has been pivotal in limiting the conference’s best attackers.
2. Set-piece battle. Maryland has been dangerous in dead-ball situations, creating good chances off its free kick deliveries. Kenny Quist-Therson’s goal against Ohio State came off an inviting set piece from Joseph Umberto Picotto. But Indiana is no slouch in that department either, scoring three goals against Wisconsin from set pieces.
3. Big Ten stakes. As part of the Terps’ 12-game unbeaten run, they have slowly opened up a four-point gap between them and No. 13 Michigan for second place in the Big Ten. A win on Friday would likely guarantee Maryland a top-2 finish in the regular season standings and could vault the Terps atop the Big Ten standings depending on No. 17 Washington’s result.
