Corner kicks are often viewed as one of soccer’s best chances to create a goal: drive the ball forward, win a corner, then finish the opportunity. Except that was rarely the case across the Big Ten’s men’s soccer teams in 2024. 

Just eight of last year’s 552 corners directly resulted in goals, resulting in a conference-wide conversion rate of 1.45 percent. Maryland soccer contributed one of those scores. 

But the Terps’ early-season efficiency from corners in 2025 appears more promising. Maryland’s already scored twice from corner kicks and likely would have tallied a third if not for an offsides call. 

Carrying similar production into the upcoming conference slate would add another dimension to a Maryland attack that leads the Big Ten in goals per game.    

“Statistically, there’s low numbers on corners in terms of directly leading to a goal,” Maryland coach Sasho Cirovski said. “But there’s a lot of times where goals happen off of corners, whether it’s a second ball, third ball, or it’s off of the clearance.” 

Set pieces tend to be a work in progress,according to Cirovski. His team has worked through some of those growing pains during this young season. 

Familiarity is the largest factor in the improvement from the Terps’ first two games. They’ve maintained a similar corner-kick positioning setup throughout their first four matches.

Two Terps typically linger near the goal line prior to a corner being taken. Taller players, such as veterans Chris Steinleitner, Lasse Kelp and Tristen Rose gather closer to the edge of the 18-yard box. 

Senior Luca Costabile — one of Maryland’s primary corner takers alongside forward Stephane Njike — directs most deliveries toward his taller teammates.      

“I’m looking at Chris, Lasse and Tristen, and just trying to work a hard, driven ball into the area in front of the goalkeeper,” Costabile said. “So it’s hard for the goalie to get out and punch the ball.”

That trio typically charges to the center of the penalty box, as the left-footed Costabile or right-footed Njike supply inswinging crosses. Cirovski said the style of pass — which bends toward the goal — gives players a greater chance of scoring with their first touch. 

The Terps executed their common corner strategy to a tee in Saturday’s match against Pacific, with a slight tweak. 

Luke van Heukelum started close to the goal on most corners during Maryland’s opening matches. The junior forward shifted further away from the net for a first-half corner against the Tigers.

Standing near Kelp, Rose and Steinleitner, the 6-foot-1 van Heukelum rushed forward alongside his teammates. That group garnered significant attention from Tigers defenders, affording van Heukelum enough space for a free header from just more than six yards out. His effort beat Pacific’s goalkeeper for the match’s opening score. 

Cirovski said he made the positioning switch at van Heukelum’s request. The junior forward later added that he suggested it because of his confidence in his heading ability.        

“There’s kind of an art to it. It’s not always scrappy, and obviously, you need good service,” van Heukelum said. “But at the end of the day, it’s kind of you versus your man, and you got to win those battles.” 

Maryland’s primary corner strategy has been sufficient so far. But even in his 33rd season, Cirovski’s willingness to adapt is why van Heukelum’s goal was so impressive.

“The way you approach all set pieces — including corners — shifts and changes,” Cirovski said. “You’re going to see us incorporate outswingers, incorporating short corners as the season progresses.”