No. 4 Maryland men’s soccer enters this Friday’s home game after moving up four spots in the rankings into the top five. 

Head coach Sasho Cirovski’s team comes in with a 9-0-3 overall record and 5-0-2 in Big Ten play. 

The Terps’ defense has been the focal point of this season. Through 12 matches, the Terps have scored 32 goals, while allowing just seven.

Additionally, Maryland’s shot volume has been strong. The Terps have taken 16.2 shots per game and have put 84 shots on goal out of 194 attempts. 

Laurin Mack, Maryland’s sophomore goaltender, is 12-0 in games started, with a goals-against average of about 0.58. 

Defense wins championships, and the Terps have embraced this identity. Mack has been steady in goal for Maryland, allowing very few goals and has helped the team maintain clean sheets. His composure under pressure and timely saves allow the Terps to rely on him in the big moments.

Offensively, they have excelled. Players like sophomore Stephan Njike, who has five goals and four assists, and freshman Rocket Ritarita, with two goals and five assists, have contributed effectively. In this combination — a team anchored by their defense along with an offense that generates opportunities — makes them one of the hottest teams in the nation. 

Njike is proving to be the Terps’ go-to finishing option. He already has multiple goals and is converting in big moments. His strong ability to beat a defender one-on-one and create his own shot will force Rutgers to be alert.

Led by head coach Jim Mcelderry, Indiana comes in ranked No. 14 with a 10-3-1 overall record and a 3-3-0 record in the Big Ten. Historically, they are one of the top programs in the nation: 8 national championships and 22 College Cups. 

This season, however, hasn’t been flawless, with all three of their losses coming in Big Ten play. Senior forward Palmer Ault leads the attack, while midfielders and defenders with experience add depth. Their schedule has been dominant, and they know that every game down the line is important if they want a chance to be a larger threat in conference play. 

For Maryland, maintaining an unbeaten start and keeping its defensive record intact is key. For Indiana, this is a chance to knock off a top-tier opponent on the road and reassert its top-tier status. If Maryland can continue their high shot volume and protect the backline, it’ll likely control time of possession and the overall flow of the game

Palmer Ault is a senior forward with real scoring experience. He’s logged 21 goals and 12 assists in his career with Indiana. More specifically, he is involved in set pieces, scoring goals off corners/free kicks. Ault has also collected several game-winning goals throughout his collegiate career. 

While senior defender Quinton Elliot doesn’t get the same attention that forwards do, he is a key piece for Indiana’s back line. He also had three goals and three assists last season. When you face a team like the Terps that attack hard, it’s players like Elliot that matter because they help shut things down and prevent scoring chances.

Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. on Friday from Ludwig Field on WMUC Sports.