Though the Maryland men’s soccer team and Indiana have competed with each another for Big Ten titles since the Terps joined the conference in 2014, coach Sasho Cirovski said the rivalry between the squads roots back to 2004.
The Hoosiers defeated Maryland in double overtime, 3-2, in the NCAA Tournament semifinals. Since then, the historic programs have gone neck and neck in each of their matches.
Over the past two seasons, the Terps have defeated Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament en route to winning the conference. This year, the Hoosiers were picked to finish second in the Big Ten in the league’s coaches poll. The Terps were projected to win.
As No. 5 Maryland opens up Big Ten play at No. 4 Indiana on Friday night, it’ll look to get the best of its biggest challenger in the conference and position itself for quality postseason seeding.
“This could arguably be the game of the year in the Big Ten this year,” Cirovski said. “These are two of the best teams in the country. There’s a lot of respect between the two programs. There was already a rivalry there. Now it’s just etched up another several levels.”
The Terps are 2-3-4 all-time against the Hoosiers. Between the 2004 and 2014 seasons, Maryland (3-0-1) and Indiana (3-0-1) met twice in the regular season, both of which ended in draws. The past two seasons, the Terps and Hoosiers have met a total of four times, and each contest has been close.
In the Big Ten Tournament championship in 2014, midfielder Mael Corboz scored the game-winning goal with four minutes remaining to knock off the defending Big Ten champions.
Last year, the Terps tied the Hoosiers in the regular season before another exciting match in the Big Ten Tournament. Maryland defeated Indiana in penalty kicks in the tournament’s semifinal and went on to repeat as Big Ten champions. The Terps are outshooting the Hoosiers by a combined one shot in their past four matches.
“It’s two big storied programs and two great coaches,” Crognale said. “We’ve gotten the better of them the past few years. I’m sure they’re hungry for a little revenge this year.”
Cirovski said the teams will be familiar with each another. The Terps brought back eight starters from last season, while the Hoosiers returned nine. Both programs play up-tempo and are strongly defensive, Cirovski said.
In a film session recently, midfielder Jake Rozhansky remembers Cirovski discussing the importance of this matchup. By setting the tone in the regular season, Cirovski said, the Terps would play home games later on, putting them in a better position to advance.
When playing at Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the early 1980s, Cirovski envied Indiana’s program and its coach, Jerry Yeagley. The Hoosiers have won eight national championships, while Maryland has taken home three.
The Terps have their minds set on adding a fourth this year, but first they’re focused on defeating a squad they know could stand in their way come the postseason.
“Both teams are pretty deep,” Cirovski said. “It comes down to the little details and execution and getting yourself into the right spots, getting yourself to make big plays in the defensive penalty box and the attacking penalty box. It will not only be a battle of skill, but a battle of will. Our guys will be ready for Friday night.”
