Maryland men’s soccer forward Colin Griffith did not score a goal during the 2023 season. He appeared in just nine matches during an injury-riddled campaign and tallied four assists .
But the junior is back in the starting 11 for the Terps this year. His versatility playing in different attacking roles was crucial in Maryland’s 2-1 win at Northwestern Friday night, helping the Terps get off to their best Big Ten start in program history.
“Colin is having a terrific year,” coach Sasho Cirovski said. “He’s found his groove on the left side. He’s making big plays to create penalties and to score some goals.”
Maryland’s front three has primarily consisted of Griffith, Max Rogers and Sadam Masereka. The trio often takes up any position in the front of the Terps’ formation, creating a fluid attacking line where each player can play down the left, right or center of the pitch.
Griffith’s ability to produce in multiple positions aided Maryland against the Wildcats. He occupied space down the left and center portions of the field early in the first half, playing a vital role in both Terps’ goals.
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The forward received possession right next to the left sideline in the 12th minute. Northwestern defender Bryant Mayer closed down Griffith for just a second before he raced past Mayer.
Griffith’s pace carried him into the Wildcats’ box. Once he entered the 12-yard area he was tackled from behind by Mayer, earning a penalty for the Terps. Midfielder Leon Koehl scored the spot kick to open the scoring.
The junior’s play out on the left side of the field won Maryland a penalty earlier in the season against Indiana. Griffith flashed past a Hoosiers’ defender and was pulled down from behind, similar to the foul he was awarded against Northwestern.
Griffith then added his own name to the scoresheet. He again started the move on the left sideline, but this time cut inside toward the center of the Terps’ attacking line.
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Griffith drifted into the center of the box. Defender Luca Costabile took control of a bouncing ball at the top of the box with his back to the goal. Costabile picked out Griffith with a back heel pass in the middle of the area, then the forward fired a shot into the back of the net to double Maryland’s advantage.
The goal marked Griffith’s third of the season, already matching his career-high tally set in his freshman season.
“When we get one more usually come,” Griffith said after his first score of the year against San Diego State. “Hopefully I keep doing it, I feel like I will.”
Griffith’s ability to impact Maryland’s attack through multiple areas has been a key factor in its offensive success.
“This is the Colin Griffith that we all know,” Cirovski said. “This is the Colin Griffith that we all expected to see, and now we’re seeing his ability.”
