After the Maryland men’s soccer team claimed the No. 1 national ranking this week, midfielder Amar Sejdic said the accomplishment marked a turning point for the Terps. The sophomore said the team needed to ramp up its play to prove itself as the top squad in the country.
So without feeling negative pressure of being No. 1, Maryland put together what coach Sasho Cirovski called the team’s best performance of the season against No. 22 Michigan State on Friday night.
Behind goals from midfielder Jake Rozhansky and an own-goal, the Terps defeated the Spartans, 2-0, in front of an announced 7,391 at Ludwig Field for their third consecutive victory.
“Our guys came out and played with the tenacity and the skill and commitment from the first minute to the last minute,” Cirovski said. “We could’ve had more goals in this game. It was our best team effort of the year.”
Maryland (6-0-2, 3-0-1 Big Ten) entered Friday coming off two overtime victories last week against Rutgers and Penn State. The Terps allowed a combined four shots in those contests but gave up three goals due to defensive miscues.
So the Terps focused on improving their defensive shifting and defense against counter attacks this week. It paid off as Maryland recorded its second shutout of the season, and its first since Aug. 29.
“The shutout was just as important as anything to us,” Cirovski said. “It really showed our commitment to defending.”
Friday’s game began in usual fashion when the Terps play a ranked opponent. Both teams pressured each other high up the field, setting a quick tempo. Cirovski said Maryland would get every team’s best shot as the No. 1 team, and that was apparent from kick-off.
The Terps controlled possession, outshooting Michigan State, 5-1, in the opening frame, but the Spartans (5-2, 2-1) played with six defenders, adding extra pressure whenever Maryland neared goal. Meanwhile, The Crew, which packed both sides of the bleachers, mocked Michigan State goalkeeper Jimmy Hague.
Maryland almost got on the board in the 33rd minute. Spartans defender Connor Corrigan cleared Sejdic’s shot just before it went into goal. The call went under video review – which was implemented this season — but the ruling stood.
The Terps, who’ve scored 15 of their 20 goals after the first half this season, broke through in the second frame, though.
Defender Chris Odoi-Atsem sent a cross into the box in the 54th minute. Midfielder Eryk Williamson received the ball and crossed to Rozhansky in front of the goal. The ball smacked off of the Virginia transfer’s thigh and into the net for his second goal of the season as The Crew erupted in cheers.
Rozhansky played center midfield with the Cavaliers the past two seasons, but he played right wing for the Terps entering Friday. Cirovski moved him to the middle of the midfield against the Spartans. The strategy worked.
“It was the best feeling,” Rozhansky said. “When I scored and the eruption of the crowd and everything was amazing.”
Then the Terps added onto their lead in the 74th minute.
Off a free kick from Rozhansky, defender Alex Crognale headed the ball toward the right goalpost. While trying to clear the ball, Michigan State defender Michael Pimlott tapped the ball into the goal and Maryland players corralled Crognale with hugs.
The Terps played in overtime their past three games, but in their first match as the No. 1 team since 2012, they sealed the victory with time to spare. From here, Cirovski believes Maryland will just keep improving.
“We were really demonstrating what Maryland soccer has been all about since Sasho Cirovski has been here,” goalkeeper Cody Niedermeier said. “All over the field we were pressuring. It really brings out the best in the person next to you if you’re sprinting to the ball. It was an all-around, great effort from everyone.”
