Both times defender Alex Crognale scored in the Maryland men’s soccer team’s game against Hofstra on Friday night, he and midfielder Amar Sejdic’s celebrations were synchronized.
After his first goal, Crognale sprinted over to Sejdic, who set in the free kick, with open arms. Sejdic awaited the senior with wide arms as well before hugging him. The second time Crognale scored, the pair each jumped in the air and tapped their heels together, mimicking an Irish dance.
On Senior Night, Crognale led the Terps to a 2-1 win over the Pride at Ludwig Field for the team’s 10th consecutive victory. Maryland needs a win or tie in its next two games for its first undefeated regular season since 1968.
“I’m so happy for Alex getting the two goals,” Cirovski said. “He’s winning games for us on both ends. That’s what you want from your captain and your leader.”
The Terps (13-0-2) entered Friday coming off two close matches. After defeating Wisconsin in overtime Oct. 14, the Terps defeated American, 2-1, Tuesday.
Cirovski said Maryland didn’t play with enough intensity at the start of Tuesday’s contest. Against Hofstra (8-6-1), the Terps set a fast tempo from the start, resulting in a fifth-minute goal.
After Sejdic sent a free kick into the box, the ball bounced between a group of players, and forward Gordon Wild attempted a shot. His shot was blocked, and the ball landed at Crognale’s feet. The Gahanna, Ohio, native struck the ball into the top-left corner of the net.
In the 20th minute, the 6-foot-5, 201-pound center back headed Sejdic’s free kick into the bottom-left corner of the goal for his sixth goal of the season, all of which have come off set pieces.
Sejdic has improved on his delivery on free and corner kicks since the beginning of the season, goalkeeper Cody Niedermeier said. The sophomore has connected with Crognale on four goals in the past three games.
“Amar’s just putting the ball in good spots and I’m able to out jump the defender,” Crognale said. “I hope we keep scoring those goals.”
In the second half, Maryland focused on defense, adding another central midfielder for the final 20 minutes.
Without the Terps bringing the same energy that they played with in the first half, the Pride outshout Maryland, 7-1, in the frame. Niedermeier helped keep Hofstra off the board until the 84th minute and finished with five saves.
With about six minutes remaining, Hofstra midfielder Joseph Holland passed to midfielder Meshack Eshun Addy in the box. Eshun Addy boxed out defender Donovan Pines, who was making his first career start in place of defender Chris Odoi-Atsem (concussion). Eshun Addy sprinted past Pines, and as Niedermeier ran out of goal, the sophomore slip his shot past him.
After a five-game shutout streak, the Terps have given up four goals in the past three matches.
Cirovski said getting every foe’s best shot as the No. 1 team has taken a toll. Yet the Terps held on their players on the bench stood until its team sealed the victory.
“It was a tough battle for us the second half,” Crognale said. “Hofstra came out and they were creating chances and pressuring hard. Cody was unlucky on the one goal but we were able to lock it down and secure the victory.”
Last week, Crognale won Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after scoring two goals against Wisconsin. The Terps didn’t have an upset scare this time, though, so Crognale let his emotions show after his scores before settling in on defense to preserve Maryland’s victory.
“He’s playing like a monster,” Niedermeier said. “I’m OK with that kid scoring every goal for us the rest of the season. As long as we win, that’s fine by me. Guys really pick up when he’s playing well. If we can keep him going, we’re going to have our eyes open and shooting for the stars.”
