When Maryland men’s soccer’s speedy wingers find acres of space in front of them, not many defenders can slow them down. That was demonstrated Friday night in the Terps’ Big Ten opener against Wisconsin.
In the 69th minute, Maryland broke through the Badgers’ initial press. Midfielder Albi Ndrenika took a few heavy dribbles into the attacking half and picked his head up, finding forward Stephane Njike to his right. Njike took a touch past his defender to create a one-on-one with Wisconsin goalie Matisse
Hébert and buried the ball into the near post, giving Maryland the lead back.
On a night where the Terps didn’t play their cleanest brand of soccer, it didn’t ultimately matter. Njike’s second goal of the season was the game-winner in Maryland’s 3-1 victory over Wisconsin.
The Terps improved to 4-0-1 on the season and started conference play on the right foot.
While Maryland’s offense combined for 10 goals in their last two games, Friday’s contest was always going to be a battle. The Badgers allowed just three goals in their first four games, the second-fewest in the Big Ten. The Terps had only conceded two entering the night.
Chances were few and far between these two stellar defenses in the first half. Despite dominating possession for long spells, the Terps lacked a final product once they got around the box. Maryland only created five shots on goal.
The Terps’ best opportunity early on came in the 10th minute. Forward Luke van Heukelum used a nifty backheel to put forward Sadam Masereka behind Wisconsin’s backline. Masereka fired the ball towards the top right corner, but his effort was denied by a leaping dive from Hébert.
Midway through the first half, Maryland finally struck. After Badgers defender Ellis Jones had his glancing header bounce off the crossbar, the Terps cleared the ball off the goalline and flew in transition.
Seconds later, Masereka was brought down in the box. Midfielder Leon Koehl calmly stepped up to the spot. He took two shuffles to his left, charged at the ball and slotted it down the middle past the already-leaping goalie.
But Wisconsin didn’t put its heads down. Instead, it worked tirelessly to break down Maryland’s stout defense. It paid off in the 56th minute.
Defender Farouk Cisse was caught on the wrong side of a dangerous cross. The freshman got his feet tangled with Wisconsin forward Thomas Raimbault and brought him down in the box. Midfielder Matthew Zachemski buried the penalty to make it 1-1.
Njike’s goal in the 69th minute gave the Terps a jolt offensively that they desperately needed.
Six minutes later, Maryland doubled its lead off the right boot of freshman sensation forward Rocket Ritarita. Midfielder Chris Steinleitner played Ritarita through on goal, and the Big Ten Freshman of the Week fired it home at the near post to make it 3-1.
Goalie Laurin Mack was tested a few times in the waning moments, but he was up to the challenge. Mack made a stellar stop to deny Wisconsin a set-piece goal. That was his lone save of the night.
Three things to know
1. Koehl makes amends. Following the Terps’ 2-2 tie against Bucknell, head coach Sasho Cirovski stated his star midfielder Leon Koehl will not miss another penalty kick this season. The junior had his chance saved down the middle, which was one of the many reasons the Terps failed to secure all three points in that game.
Koehl — who led the country with a perfect 7-of-7 penalty conversion rate in 2024 — reaffirmed his coach’s faith Friday night against Wisconsin.
2. Fouls piled up. The difference between Big Ten soccer and nonconference play is drastic, and it took Maryland some time to adjust. The physical nature of the conference halts any momentum and keeps shot attempts at a premium. There were 27 combined fouls Friday night.
3. Eight-year drought snapped. While the Terps have had some difficulties on the road in recent seasons, Madison has always been their kryptonite. Maryland picked up its first road win against Wisconsin since 2017, a victory that tastes very sweet.
