Terps gather around head coach Sasho Cirovski after the Terps drew with UMBC 0-0 after extra time at Ludwig Field on Sep, 5 2014.
On Sept. 6. 2013, a Ludwig Field record 8,397 fans attended the Terrapins men’s soccer team’s 3-1 win over Duke. The Terps have averaged 5,989 fans this year, making for a frenzied, engaging atmosphere at Terps games.
The Terps played in different circumstances on Friday. UM Soccer Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, holds 2,200 seats. On both sidelines, stands are set 10 feet off of the sideline.
“There is a big range of minimums [field sizes],” Cirovski said. “And they’re certainly close to the minimums.”
So when the Terps attempted throw-ins against the Wolverines, they were often very close to Michigan fans. At several junctures, Terps engaged in sideline passes were greeted by a pounding drum in their face.
“The Michigan field is a little small,” Cirovski said. “It’s the shortest field in the league and one of the narrowest. Perhaps the shortest and the most narrow field in the league.”
Officials doled out 37 fouls, 19 of them to Terps. Cirovski attributed the physical play to the crazy atmosphere.
The torrid pace led to several injuries. Midfielder Alex Shinsky left in the 18th minute, and Wolverines midfielder Marcos Ugarte was forced to retreat to the sideline in the 13th minute.
“The game was played at a very combative place,” Cirovski said. “Players were close and tight to each other. So there wasn’t a lot of rhythm and flow in the game. But that’s the way it is. Certainly we’ll be more aware of it the next time we play at Michigan.”
