When a reporter asked coach Sasho Cirovski about his seniors after the No. 1 Maryland men’s soccer team’s 2-1 win over Hofstra on Friday night, the veteran coach listed the players’ accomplishments.
Since 2013, Maryland has won three conference regular-season championships and three conference tournament titles with a chance to add to the collection with the Big Ten tournament in a few weeks.
“These are mindboggling numbers,” Cirovski said.
Before the game Friday, the program honored the seniors with their families as part of Senior Night at Ludwig Field. When the match started, they led, just as they have all season. Cirovski said the seniors set the tone and the rest of the squad followed.
“I’m delighted for our seniors,” Cirovski said. “They played in big games in big crowds, taking teams’ best shots. They’ve had the times of their lives. I’m very delighted to have this very special senior class in a very special year.”
As freshmen in 2013, defenders Alex Crognale, Chris Odoi-Atsem and Suli Dainkeh played a big factor in the Terps’ success before falling in the national championship to Notre Dame.
Since then, Cirovski said the trio has continued to improve every season. This year, they start on a backline that has allowed the second fewest goals in the Big Ten (11).
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Cody Niedermeier, who joined the team in 2012 but redshirted with wrist injuries, sat behind Zack Steffen until last season. Niedermeier has since taken advantage of his starting role, developing a strong relationship with the backline.
Midfielder Cody Albrecht spent four years at St. John’s before transferring to Maryland last season. With two extra years of eligibility due to injuries, he’s thrived in the Terps’ defensive midfield role this season.
“I love every single guy on our team, but I’ve played with these guys at least four years each,” Niedermeier said. “Every one of them has a special relationship with me. It was an awesome night.”
The seniors made a difference from the start Friday. Crognale scored the team’s two goals off set pieces in the opening 20 minutes. When Crognale was a freshman, Cirovski challenged him to become the best center back in the country. Cirovski has no doubt Crognale is the best right center back in the nation now.
Hofstra outshot Maryland, 10-6, so Niedermeier was put to the test. He made five saves, displaying quick decisions and diving to keep the Pride off the board until the 84th minute. Meanwhile, Dainkeh, who usually plays center back, played left wide back because right back Odoi-Atsem had a concussion. Cirovski said Dainkeh thrived in his improvised role.
In the 81st minute, Cirovski substituted in midfielder Emmanuel Korvah, who’s played 108 minutes this season and isn’t taking his final year of eligibility.
“It’s a special night to be out here with these guys,” Crognale said. “It means a lot. Having my family here and having them come out and see me score a couple of goals, it’s nice.”
The Terps seniors have lofty accomplishments between success in the ACC, Big Ten and NCAA tournament. However, the veterans aren’t ready to look back on their careers yet.
After losing to Clemson in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals last season, the seniors vowed to work as hard as they can to win a national championship in December.
“It kind of sucks we’re not all going to be together anymore,” Niedermeier said. “But we’re going to try to go out on top and end it with a smile.”
