No. 4-seed Maryland men’s soccer only trailed twice this season heading into the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament Saturday. 

Once in the regular season, the Terps came back and tied Penn State. Then, it trailed and eventually picked up its first loss in the Big Ten Tournament against UCLA. 

Saturday was a similar story.

In the first 30 minutes, Maryland played the way it usually does. The Terps had a quick pace, generating opportunities, striking defense and controlling possession.  The rest of the game featured the exact opposite and Washington took advantage, taking down the Terps, 3-1.

To start the game, both teams traded scoring chances — Joe Dale on a breakaway for Washington and Albi Ndrenika with a header in front of Washington’s goalkeeper. 

In the 17th minute, senior forward Sadam Masereka had a golden opportunity. He was all alone, dribbling through a couple of Washington defenders before delivering a strike. But it was saved by Jaden Bowton. 

Prior to Saturday afternoon’s game, senior midfielder Joseph Umberto Piccotto was ruled out with a leg injury he suffered in Maryland’s last win against UConn. In turn, head coach Sasho Cirovski went to Henry Bernstein and gave the freshman his first career start. 

Bernstein took advantage of his opportunity. He found the back of the net off a header from a corner kick in the 19th minute. 

But that would be all for the Terps, as Washington rallied back, scoring three unanswered. The Huskies pulled off the upset.

“This team is very special and they brought the Maryland style or the Maryland culture and Maryland pride back into our program. I am so grateful for the season we’ve had,” Cirovski said.

Maryland applied pressure early. In the 28th minute, Stephane Nike made a couple of hesitant moves in front of three husky defenders and managed to get a shot off falling down, but missed high. 

Then, the tides turned in favor of Washington. Late in the first half, Washington took a corner kick that ended up in a scrum in front of the net. 

Freshman midfielder Osato Enabulele headered it past Maryland’s goalkeeper Lauren Mack for the equalizer. Although Maryland shut out Washington on Halloween, it was anyone’s game to take.

”We’ve talked about celebrating the little things, everyone wants the big goal or the big moment but it’s like a blocked clearance out of the back that earns us a throw they start to multiply. All those little things start to add up,” Washington head coach Jamie Clark said. 

Maryland controlled possession throughout the first half, but that changed after the break. Washington generated numerous opportunities to start the second half before cashing in. In the 54th minute, Charlie Kosakoff got behind Tristen Rose and slipped it right past Laurin Mack off a soft touch pass from Joe Dale.

The trend continued, the Terps’ backline broke down and they were unable to get anything going on offense.

At the 70th minute mark, Washington delivered the dagger. Richie Aman dribbled through a frenzy of defenders before delivering a beautiful cross pass to Alex Hall, who netted the Huskies’ third goal of the game.

“I challenge every group to leave a legacy. I think this group will leave the legacy of bringing Maryland soccer back to the forefront of the country. They made us legitimate contenders. They brought a trophy to our case, and a lot of pride and smiles to our fans.” Cirovski added.

A historical Maryland season came to an end.

It was the Terps’ best season since they won the national championship in 2018. 

Washington, on the other hand, will face No. 16-ranked Furman in the final four next weekend.