An announced crowd of 989 attended Maryland men’s soccer’s 1-0 win in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, and even though most the fans were rooting for the Buckeyes, the Terps agreed they felt a lot of support as well.
Alumni, families and Maryland fans in town for Saturday’s football game at Ohio State made Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium feel more like Ludwig Field during the Terps’ 1-0 win.
“It’s always gratifying when we can go on the road,” coach Sasho Cirovski said, “and hear the ‘Let’s go Maryland’ chants.”
As the game progressed past the 80th minute without a goal due to the Terps missing a pair of penalty kicks, Cirovski said the crowd support “energized” his team.
“That was an advantage for us tonight,” midfielder Eryk Williamson said.
Forward Sebastian Elney gave Terps faithful plenty to cheer about in the 85th minute, when he finished a cross from midfielder Amar Sejdic to provide the Terps a late winner.
The score also earned Sejdic an assist in front of his family, who made the trip from Louisville, Kentucky.
Midfielder Eli Crognale, a native of Gahanna, Ohio, also had family in attendance, including his older brother, Alex. Alex Crognale played defense for the Terps until 2016, entered the MLS by signing a homegrown contract with the Columbus Crew and has started 12 games for the team this season.
Crew teammate and fellow Maryland alum Zack Steffen, who’s started at goalkeeper in 32 games this year, joined Crognale.
“Seeing [Crognale and Steffen] was definitely huge,” Elney said. “They’re just legends for what they did for the program and what they’re doing now.”
The game was the best opportunity so far this season for many midwestern Terp fans and alumni to attend.
That, combined with the upcoming football game, which brought out many Terrapin Club donors and created a substantial Maryland rooting section more than 300 miles from College Park, affirmed the Terps’ appreciation for their fans.
Tonight reminded me that there is no better place than Ludwig with @UMDcrew ⚽️????????????♂️ #BestFansInTheCountry
— DSC (@SaintC17) October 3, 2017
“I felt them,” Williamson said, “more than the other team.”