With the match level 15 minutes in, Liberty’s Bryce Swinehart made sure to capitalize on his shot within the six-yard box. The standout freshman snuck it over Maryland keeper Jamie Lowell’s left hip and into the bottom right corner for his first goal of the season, putting Liberty on top early against the Terps’ defensive unit.
An early lead for the Flames was crucial in their quest for an upset over No. 20 Maryland. However, the chance of an upset was dashed as Maryland eventually drew even with Liberty, manufacturing a neutral end result, 1-1.
Following an emotional win over No. 9 New Hampshire on Thursday night, Maryland aimed to move forward with its momentum, going against an energetic Liberty Flames squad.
Following Liberty’s goal to put them up 1-0, 15 minutes into the contest, Maryland responded with attacking pressure and a grouping of shots fired at Liberty keeper Blake Franzen, who made an incredible save on Hunter George to keep the game in Liberty’s favor.
After a barrage of chances, Maryland’s William Kulvik finished a rebound shot from Stefan Copetti for his first ever collegiate goal, evening up the game 1-1 with 15 minutes remaining in the half.
“I mean, it’s awesome. I feel like from a defensive standpoint, this is a big positive.” said senior defender Chris Rindov when asked about how the team responded to Kulviks’ goal.
The Terps continued to keep the Flames on their heels following the goal from Kulvik to even things up, dominating the ball and keeping play mostly on Liberty’s half.
The two sides went into half deadlocked at 1-1, having the makings for an intense second half of soccer on a beautiful Sunday night in College Park.
The Terps’ had 62 percent possession through the first 45 minutes, winning six corners to the Flames’ zero. Maryland also had nine shots to the Flames’ one.
As the second half began, Maryland continued to put the pressure on Liberty, getting players in behind their back line and forcing keeper Black Franzen to make save after save. Maryland’s domination on the ball didn’t translate to goals, as the score was still knotted at one with just 25 minutes to play.
In the 77th minute, Maryland’s Joe Suchecki put a great ball over the top of Liberty’s defense in hopes of giving the Terps’ the lead, but Joshua Bolma flashed his shot over the net after getting behind the Flames’ back line. With 13 minutes remaining, the two sides were still even at one.
The Terps became much more aggressive down the stretch, switching fields and playing balls past the Flames’ defensive unit for scoring chances, but couldn’t convert and walked away from Ludwig Field with a disappointing draw.
“I’m very disappointed with the result… we deserve better.” said Head Coach Sasho Cirovski. “We got numerous high quality chances and unfortunately could not finish them today.”
After an exciting weekend of gameplay to open up the regular season for the Terps, they sit at 1-1 through two games with their next match on September 2nd against Denver.
