On head coach Sasho Cirovski’s birthday on Tuesday and No. 8 Maryland men’s soccer had its biggest test of the season so far. 

The Terps hosted No. 13 Rutgers as they looked to remain undefeated on the season.  

As it has all season, Maryland delivered for its coach, earning the victory, 2-0. 

Goalkeeper Laurin Mack pitched his sixth shutout of the season — and his third in a row. 

“It’s what I hope would happen on my birthday. I think three points against a top team in a shutout is about as good as it gets on your birthday,” Cirovski said. “I thank the team, and I want to thank all the fans that came out, particularly the crew, on a Tuesday night, to support our guys. It’s a very happy 63rd birthday today.”

Both teams came off a short day’s rest, with games played for both teams just four days prior. The Terps beat Michigan, 2-0, whereas the Scarlet Knights took down Wisconsin, 4-2. Tuesday was the 18th between the two programs. Rutgers won the last two meetings, including last season a 3-1 win in Piscataway, NJ. 

Not only was this the biggest game of the season for the Terps, due to it being a top 15 matchup, but they also had to keep an eye out for one of the Big Ten’s best players this season: Josiah Schelb. The junior midfielder is second in the Big Ten for goals scored, recording seven so far this season. 

Both teams went scoreless through the first half, however, the Terps dominated possession and were able to generate more chances. Most notably, a free kick in the 18th minute taken by senior Lasse Kelp that ricocheted off the post and eventually out of bounds. 

Maryland managed to take a few shots from outside the box, but Rutgers’ defense held strong and kept them out. 

They Terps eventually broke through, though. In the 55th minute, sophomore Stephan Njike received a through pass from senior Joseph Umberto Picotto, and he delivered a strike just inside the box to give the Terps an early second-half lead. 

Just six minutes later, the Terps found the back of the net again. Njike sent in a free kick from the left side of the box, and senior Tristen Rose headed it toward the Scarlet Knights’ goalkeeper. The rebound landed perfectly for Umberto Picotto, who buried it for Maryland’s second goal. 

The Scarlet Knights were able to find some chances later in the second half, but the Terps held down the fort. Rutgers’ best opportunity came from a shot inside the box taken by junior forward Andrew Kitch, but he skied it over the net. 

While Umberto Picotto’s goal gave the Terps some breathing room to work with, it was Njike’s goal in the 55th minute that was enough to fend off the Scarlet Knights. With the win, the Terps improve to 8-0-3, while the Scarlet Knights fall to 8-3-2.