By Daniel Chavkin

After losing to an unranked Delaware team, Maryland’s men’s soccer team was able to bounce back and beat No. 17 Washington 1-0.

The story of the game was the defense as Maryland was able to limit Washington’s shot total to seven. Additionally, Maryland’s defense was so good that goalie Cody Niedermeier didn’t need to make a save in order to win the game.

“I’m extremely proud of our team’s effort tonight,” said head coach Sasho Cirovski.  “This was our most complete effort on the defensive side of the ball all year.”

What made this defensive performance so impressive was the number of injuries on the back line. Therefore, different defenders had to step up, and that’s exactly what Dakota Edwards did.

“He’s been patient, and he’s been such a great leader in a support and reserve role,” said Cirovski “He was outstanding.”

Even though Maryland played well defensively, they didn’t score a goal until the 51:19 mark in the game.

“Earlier in the season in a game where we kind of dominate and don’t get a goal, we would’ve gotten frustrated,” said midfielder Mael Corboz. “We stayed positive…we were able to keep pressing.”

The lone goal on the game was an own goal by Washington, but also a result of great pressure by Maryland’s offense.

“We just kept on going at them,” said forward Sebastian Elney, who was the last Terp to touch the ball before it entered the net. “It felt so good to break the seal.”

“[The goal is] a result of several players doing their roles properly,” said Cirovski. “It was going to take a brilliant goal, or an own goal, to beat them”

Maryland has a week to rest before they play Ohio State in Columbus on October 31.