By Zachary Hunting
No. 1 Maryland men’s soccer had an incredible regular season. The Terps have yet to lose a match with a 12-0-3 record.
The Terps have won all but three matches, settling for draws with Bucknell, Penn State and UCLA.
Maryland finished the regular season at Michigan State and claimed the Big Ten championship.
Sophomore forward Stephane Njike has been a major contributor this season, tallying seven goals and seven assists for 21 points. Nike has scored four game-winning goals thus far this season.
Prior to Maryland, Njike spent time with Marshall and LIU. Last season, he scored a goal and registered an assist against Maryland in the NCAA tournament with LIU. Maryland’s coaching staff was impressed by his performance and recruited him to join the Terps. Nike is impactful by creating space, dribbling under pressure and finding teammates on the run.
Senior forward Sadam Masereka has been a key threat on the counterattack for Maryland. Masereka leads the Terps with nine goals and has tallied three assists. Masereka scored an incredible bicycle kick against Northwestern, sending Ludwig Field into a frenzy.
Last season, Masereka only had four goals and two assists. He has become more confident in the box and has stayed calm on offense this season.
Senior Albi Ndrenika has been a cog in the Terps’ midfield this season with three goals and eight assists. His incredible ball control and high IQ keep plays moving regardless of opposing pressure.
Ndrenika has scored two game-winners and has stepped up after only recording a goal and four assists last season. He has taken a massive step forward in leading this team to its great start.
Maryland’s scoring trio has had huge impacts on the counterattack. Masereka has been a key counterattacking presence because of his speed and scoring ability quickly while other opponents are flat-footed.
Last season, Maryland’s offense scored many goals off free kicks and corners —- forcing 119 corners compared to 80 this year. The Terps have capitalized through open-play goals this season, rather than scoring on set-pieces.
The Terps’ defense has also been strong this season. Maryland has only allowed 12 goals after allowing 31 goals last season.
Goalkeeper Laurin Mack has been massive in Maryland’s defensive resurgence. He has a 0.80 goals against average through the regular season. Last season, he had a 1.48 goals against average and allowed 27 goals.
The Terps’ back line has become a brick wall, allowing minimal shots to reach the defensive zone. With its dominant offense, opponents rarely see the ball at all.
Maryland has flipped the switch on their season as it is the No. 1-ranked team. Maryland is similar to No. 2 Princeton, having a low goals against average and a great back line. But, Princeton’s offense isn’t as skilled as Maryland’s — Princeton has scored 27 goals, while Maryland has scored 40 goals.
The Terps begin the postseason on Wednesday as they face No. 4-seed UCLA at home. Maryland looks to continue on its strong season and parlay it into a long NCAA Tournament run.
