By Chris Gharagozlo

Looking to extend their win streak to three games, Maryland faced off against Wisconsin at Ludwig Field on Friday night. After the Terrapins controlled the game throughout, Wisconsin scored the equalizer in the 90th minute to force overtime before scoring the game-winning goal in the 105th minute en route to a 2-1 victory.

“We were in control of the whole game and we never felt like we were in danger” said head coach Sasho Cirovski.

Trying out a new 3-5-2 formation, Maryland took control of the game from the start. In the sixth minute, Eric Matzelevich sent a through ball on the ground to William James Herve who directed a cross across the box to Paul Bin. Bin’s shot gracefully fell in the back of the net, which gave Maryland an early 1-0 lead on his first career goal in college.

After gaining that early lead, Maryland looked posed for their third consecutive win after the earning their first win of the season against the West Virginia Mountaineers and opening Big Ten play with a huge comeback victory over the Northwestern Wildcats.

However, Wisconsin pressed late and tied the game on a rebound goal in the final minute. In overtime, Wisconsin came away with another second chance on goal and handed Maryland a heartbreaking loss.

Maryland’s third loss of the season was especially difficult considering their dominance of possession. In the first half, the ball rarely left the attacking third for the Terps as they threatened to extend their lead.

A scoring opportunity opened up when Justin Gielen sent a through ball to Bin along the sideline. At the goaline, Bin sent a ball on the ground across the box to a running Amar Sejdic. Sejdic, who scored the game winning goal against West Virginia, lined up and ripped a shot, but it was deflected out of play by a Wisconsin defender.

Wisconsin and Maryland shared possession in the second half, but neither team was able to capitalize on their opportunities. The Badgers found it difficult to score thanks in large part to Maryland’s defensive back Donovan Pines. The 6-foot-5 center back continuously shutdown chances in front of goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

Wisconsin’s stunned Maryland’s supporter when their equalizer from Michael Russell was scored with 53 seconds remaining on second-effort attempt, which was assisted by Andrew Akindele. In overtime, Maryland failed to recapture the lead and eventually conceded the game winner to Wisconsin.

“In overtime we still had our chances, but we played into their hands,” Cirovski said.