The Terps’ offense bounced back from a difficult season opener, scoring two goals in the second half to beat No.10 UNC Greensboro, 2-0.

The UNC Greensboro Spartans came into the matchup following a tie with California in their opener. The Spartans scored one goal in the draw, coming from freshman forward Arnaud Tattevin. 

The Terps came into the game following a tough loss to Missouri State in their season opener. Maryland was held scoreless, only notching two shots for the game.

“We challenged them to respond after Thursday’s performance and result and the guys came through,” said head coach Sasho Cirovski.

The Terps spent most of the first half on the attack, racking up six shots, four of them on goal. Two of those came from freshman Luke Van Heukelum around the eighteenth minute of play. Van Heukelum’s two shots proved to be the best opportunity the Terps had in the half other than five corner kicks. 

Maryland’s defense was just as good as the offense, tallying three saves from goalkeeper Mikah Seger. Seger took the field for his first game action as a Terp and quickly made an impact, keeping the score tied, 0-0, at half. 

The Terps’ defense continued to shine coming out of the break. Maryland curtailed a Spartan attack that sawtwo shots one them on goal. That opportunity was ended by Seger for his fourth save of the game.

Maryland’s offense sputtered coming out of the half unable to get anything working. That all ended as Joe Suchecki was able to place the ball in the bottom right of the goal. Suchecki’s goal was the Terps first shot of the period. The redshirt junior ended the tie, giving Maryland its first lead of the season. 

The Maryland lead grew to two off the right foot of Kimani Stewart-Baynes. The freshman put the ball in the back left of the goal in the 76th minute, adding an insurance goal to the Maryland lead. The goal was Stewart-Baynes’ first of his Maryland career.

“I couldn’t ask for more. I just [had] to be composed, get it down, and finish it,”  said Kimani Stewart-Baynes.”

The Terps’ offense showed real improvement from Thursday’s season opener. The offensive attack produced 11 shots in the game (seven on goal) and 10 corners. 

“I think we played forward more like we played a little too safe, a little cautious on Thursday,” said Cirovski. “I thought today we were on the front foot. We played a little bit more vertical and I think we played at just a higher speed and higher tempo throughout the game.”

The Terps will look to continue their winning ways on Friday against No.18 Wake Forest.