Men's Soccer Looks To Rebound Against Georgetown
10/7/2003 8:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 7, 2003
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#2 Maryland vs. Georgetown
Wednesday, October 8, 7 p.m.
Ludwig Field
Audio: WMUC Sports
LiveStats: umterps.com
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The No.2 Maryland men's soccer team will try to rebound after its first loss of the season against regional foe Georgetown.
The Terps (9-1) are back in action after falling 1-0 at No. 5 North Carolina on Sunday. Georgetown (4-5-2) looks to get on the winning track against the Terps after Saturday's 3-1 loss to Providence. Maryland has never lost to the Hoyas, owning a 23-0 mark against the Washington, D.C. school. The Terps won last season's meeting 2-0 on goals from Abe Thompson and Ian Rodway.
Maryland will look to avoid its first two-match losing streak in two years. The Terrapins will also put their 19-game winning streak at Ludwig Field on the line against Georgetown.
About The Hoyas
Georgetown's season has had its share of ups and downs, with the Hoyas unable to put several wins in a row together. After claiming the D.C. College Cup, the Hoyas let a two-goal lead slip away to No. 5 Indiana, but still managed the 2-2 tie at the UConn/adidas Classic. Since then, Georgetown is 3-5, sandwiched wins over Towson, Virginia Tech and VMI between losses to Boston, St. John's, Boston College, Notre Dame and Providence.
Ricky Schramm's 12 points on the season leads the Hoyas and is also 12th in the South Atlantic Region. Dan Pydo has also given Georgetown a scoring punch with four goals this season, and has also chipped in two assists. Team captain Dan Gargan has been excellent at creating scoring chances for the Hoyas, with a team-best four assists to go along with two goals.
In net, senior Tim Hogan has emerged as Georgetown's go-to guy between the pipes. His 55 saves rank first in the South Atlantic Region. On the season, Hogan has allowed 16 goals (1.41 GAA) in 1,018 minutes of work.
Head coach Keith Tabatznik is in his 20th season at the helm for Georgetown. Tabatznik, who has coached three BIG EAST Players of the Year, is just five wins shy of his 200th career victory. His career record stands at 195-166-20.
Last Time vs. Georgetown
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Redshirt-sophomore Abe Thompson (Fairfax Station, Va.) scored the game-winning goal as the No. 6 Maryland men's soccer team (10-2) earned its fifth shutout of the year and beat Georgetown (4-7) by a 2-0 margin. Thompson's goal was his seventh of the year, and his third gamewinner.
The gamewinner came at 16:22 into the game when Thompson fed junior forward Nino Marcantonio (Bethesda, Md.) who fired a shot off the right post. The hard rebound came back to Thompson who chipped it in for the 1-0 lead.
Scoring was quiet until the 71st minute when Thompson again fed Marcantonio, this time up the left side of the field. Marcantonio crossed the ball from the endline and found sophomore midfielder Ian Rodway (Columbia, Md.) in front of the goal for Rodway's first goal of the year. Both Thompson and Marcantonio were credited with assists on the goal and Maryland ended with the 2-0 win.
Last Time Out vs. No. 5 North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina's Corey Ashe score at 68:50 broke a scoreless tie and wound up being the game-winner as the fifth-ranked Tar Heels defeated Maryland, 1-0, Sunday afternoon at Fetzer Field.
The loss halts Maryland's best start in 35 years and ends the Terps' nine-game winning streak.
"Carolina's a great team, and they capitalized on their opportunities," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "We played solid, but this wasn't the kind of showing from a Maryland team that we are accustomed to seeing in terms of connectivity."
Maryland was unable to find a rhythm in the first half as the Terps had just a few solid offensive opportunities. Due to the trouble Maryland had up front possessing the ball, the speedy North Carolina forwards were able to create space for themselves and fired five shots on goal. Maryland's best offensive opportunity in the first half came in the 15th minute as Abe Thompson forced UNC keeper Justin Hughes to make a save and Domenic Mediate's shot off the rebound was deflected and sailed high over the net, leading to a corner kick. A.J. Herrera served the ball into Sumed Ibrahim off the corner, but Sumed's shot missed the net wide left.
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"Carolina's a great team, and they capitalized on their opportunities. We played solid, but this wasn't the kind of showing from a Maryland team that we are accustomed to seeing in terms of connectivity. But these are great kids that have a lot of pride, and I'm sure we'll bounce back.
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Despite the sluggish first half, Maryland keeper Noah Palmer made several diving saves to prevent the Tar Heels from scoring and to keep the score 0-0 going into the half.
"We weren't winning second balls, and when we played some balls some guys didn't know when to step up and when not to," senior Scott Buete said of the team's first half. "We knew we had to pick it up a notch in the second half and play better."
The Terps did re-group in the second half and came out much stronger, possessing the ball and controlling the action. However, the Tar Heels were able to strike on one of their opportunities with the ball as Jamie Watson bounced the ball ahead to Marcus Storey from midfield into Maryland territory. Ashe, who was running beside Storey as he dribbled the ball toward the Maryland goal, took over possession and got the shot past Palmer from 10 yards out.
Maryland intensified the pressure and would have a few more chances to tie the score. Abe Thompson's free kick with 13 minutes left skipped off the cross bar, and Clarence Goodson had a good look at the net in the 78th minute, but his shot sailed wide. The Terps also had two corner kicks within the last three minutes but were unable to convert on any set plays.
"I am genuinely surprised at our ineffectiveness today, both offensively and defensively" Cirovski said. "But these are great kids that have a lot of pride, and I'm sure we'll bounce back."
"We just have to file it and move on," Buete said. "We just have to get back to business."
Palmer, Terp Defense Among Nation's Best
In addition to being the No. 2 team in the nation, the Terps back that ranking up in several statistical categories. Goalkeeper Noah Palmer is third in the nation in goals-against average (0.31), while the Terrapin team is tied for third in shutout percentage (70%) and goals-against average (0.30).
In addition, Maryland is 27th in the nation for goals per game (2.10) and is second in winning percentage (.900)
Terps Dominate ACC Stats
Maryland is at or around the top in all ACC statistics. Of the eight statistical categories for teams, Maryland is first or tied for first in seven (shots, goals, points, assists per game, goals allowed, shutouts and goals-against average). The only category Maryland is not first is team saves. Individually, Abe Thompson is the ACC leader for game-winning goals, while Noah Palmer has the conference's best goals-against average.
Maryland Notches 500 Wins In Program History
With its win over Wake Forest on September 24, the Maryland men's soccer team celebrated its 500th win in program history. Currently the Terps have a 500-261-66 record over 58 years of action, including one national championship (1968), 22 NCAA Tournament appearances and two ACC postseason championships. Head coach Sasho Cirovski has been on the sidelines for 140 wins, both ACC titles and eight NCAA Tournament berths, including two Final Fours.
The Last Time...
Maryland lost two in a row: October 7, 2001
Maryland lost a home game: November 25, 2001 (vs. Loyola, 1-0 2ot)
Maryland gave up two goals: December 12, 2002 (vs. UCLA, 2-1)
Maryland gave up three goals: November 15, 2002 (vs. Clemson, a 4-3 win)
Maryland lost to an unranked opponent: October 10, 2001 (1-0 to George Mason)
Maryland went to overtime: December 1, 2002, vs. Saint Louis
Maryland won in overtime: December 1, 2002, vs. Saint Louis (1-0)
Maryland lost in overtime: November 25, 2001, vs. Loyola
Maryland tied: September 30, 2001 (against Wake Forest, 2-2)
Gimmie Two!
When Maryland scores two goals in a game, you might as well chalk it up as a win for the Terps. Over the past two seasons, Maryland has not lost a match when they have scored at least two goals. During that span, the Terps have won 24 in a row when scoring two goals (and tied once to Wake Forest on September 30, 2001). The last time the Terrapins fell after scoring two goals was October 28, 2000, against Clemson.
Front Runners
When George Mason scored the first goal in the game on Wednesday, Sept. 24, it marked the first time all season (637 minutes) that the Terps had trailed in a game. Maryland trailed in the contest until the first minute of the second half and went on to win 5-1. Against North Carolina, the Terrapins fell behind (and remained behind) after North Carolina scored in the 68th minute. On the season, Maryland has trailed in just 50 of the 900 total minutes.
Poll Positions
By virtue of its win over No.1 UCLA, Maryland became the consensus No.1 team in the nation. This marked the first time in the program's history that the team had been ranked No.1 by the NSCAA. In addition to the NSCAA poll, the Terps were ranked first by Soccer America, Soccer Times and College Soccer News. Maryland held the top ranking for four consecutive weeks.
After Maryland's loss to No. 5 North Carolina, Maryland has slipped to the No. 2 spot in the NSCAA, Soccer Times and College Soccer News polls. Soccer America dropped the Terps to No. 4.
Maryland returned all 11 starters from its College Cup team a year ago, making it one of the favorites for the title this season.
A Losing Streak?
Losing streaks are something that the Maryland men's soccer team is not used to. The Terps have not lost two in a row in almost two years, with the last back-to-back losses coming Oct. 7 and Oct. 10 in 2001. Coincidentally, North Carolina started that streak and another regional team, George Mason, contributed the other loss.
Terp Forwards Feared
The Terp front line was recently named as one of the most feared in the nation according to CollegeSoccerNews.com. The website commented that, "The Terps are loaded with talent. Juniors Abe Thompson and Domenic Mediate are prolific scorers. Nino Marcantonio, Jason Garey and Erwin Diaz add strength and skill to a group up-top that can make a case for being the best in the nation. Maryland plays a style of soccer that is pleasing to those who like to attack."
Shut 'em Down, Shut 'em Out
While Maryland certainly has some prolific scorers, the team can't lose if it doesn't give up a goal. The back line of team captain Seth Stammler, Clarence Goodson, Chris Lancos and Kenney Bertz--recognized by College Soccer News as one of the top back lines in the NCAA--have been nearly impenetrable all season. The group allows an average of eight shots a game, but more impressively, just 3.5 shots on goal per game. The Terps have shutout seven of their first 10 opponents and will threaten the team record for shutouts in a season (13) that the unit set last season. Only three goals have been scored on the Terrapins in 900 minutes of action.
PK's Are OK
Maryland is a perfect 4-4 on penalty kick attempts this season. A.J. Herrera has converted two of those, while Abe Thompson and Nino Marcantonio have accounted for the other two.
In addition, two of those penalty kicks have turned out to be the game-winners. Thompson's PK against UCLA proved to be the difference in that matchup while Herrera's conversion against NC State was the deciding goal in that match.
Ball Control
Maryland has been tremendous at controlling possession of the ball and dictating play through its first 10 games. In addition to the stout back line, the Terps' forwards and midfielders rarely give up the ball and constantly put pressure on opposing teams. Through the first seven games, Maryland is outshooting its opponents by a whopping 191-84 margin.
Honor Roll
Several Maryland players earned tournament, conference and national honors so far this season. Here is a run down of the accolades earned by Terrapin players this season.
Scott Buete: Diadora Challenge All-Tournament Team (8/31/03); Maryland/adidas Soccer Classic Defensive MVP (9/7/03); College Soccer News National Player of the Week (9/8/03); Soccer America Team of the Week (9/10/03)
Seth Stammler: Diadora Challenge Tournament MVP (8/31/03); College Soccer News Team of the Week (9/1/03); Soccer America Team of the Week (9/10/03)
Abe Thompson: ACC Player of the Week (9/7/03); Maryland Student-Athlete of the Week (9/22/03)
A.J. Herrera: Diadora Challenge All-Tournament Team (8/31/03); Maryland/adidas Soccer Classic All-Tournament Team (9/7/03)
Ian Rodway: Diadora Challenge All-Tournament Team (8/31/03); Maryland/adidas Soccer Classic All-Tournament Team (9/7/03)
Clarence Goodson: Soccer America Team of the Week (9/17/03)
Sumed Ibrahim: Soccer America Team of the Week (10/1/03); College Soccer News Team of the Week (9/29); Maryland Student-Athlete of the Week (9/30)
Living Large At Ludwig
The Terps completed their first-ever perfect home record in 2002, compiling a 10-0-0 record. Maryland went on to win three more games at Ludwig Field in the NCAA Tournament as it advanced to the College Cup. Maryland has now won 19 straight at Ludwig, with its last loss coming November 25, 2001, to Loyola.
Overall, head coach Sasho Cirovski's teams are an impressive 71-25-4 at Ludwig since the facility opened in 1995. For this season, Ludwig has a dramatic new look with bleachers behind each goal and signs that extend around the perimeter of the field to give it a true soccer stadium feel.
The Terrapins were fifth in the nation in total attendance (19,984) and seventh in the nation last season in average attendance (1,537), and have drawn an average of 2,349 so far this season. Ludwig Field has had two crowds of over 3,000 people this season: the record-setting 6,143 crowd for UCLA and the 3,647 fans for Wake Forest.
Rocking The Ranked
Three Terrapin opponents are currently ranked in the nation's top 25 according to the NSCAA poll. However, as many as seven were in the Top 25 poll at one point this year. So far, Maryland is 3-1 against ranked opponents in 2003, notching victories over No. 15 Furman, No.1 UCLA and No. 16 Wake Forest, but losing to No. 5 North Carolina.
Thompson Climbs Career Charts
Just a junior, striker Abe Thompson is making his mark on some of Maryland's significant offensive career records. The Hermann Trophy candidate is seventh all-time in career goals (31) and sixth in points (77). Cliff Crug is Maryland's all-time leading goal scorer with 45 and Eberhard Klein is the Terps' leading point scorer (109).
Thompson also has 16 assists in his career, which means he is now among the top 10 in all offensive categories at Maryland.
A Little Help From My Friends...
Scoring a goal is one of the hardest things to do in all of sports, and the Maryland soccer team is fortunate to have to have two players that make life a little easier for the forwards in Scott Buete and Sumed Ibrahim. Both players are among the best in Terrapin history in dishing out assists, ranking tied for third-best all-time in career with 22. Sumed and Buete each have an assist this season.
Loaded Schedule
A look at the Terrapin schedule is a "Who's Who" among the nation's elite. In addition to taking on the defending NCAA champions in UCLA, 13 other opponents on Maryland's schedule participated in the NCAA Tournament a year ago. Further, six Terp opponents are ranked among the nation's top 25, according to the NSCAA/adidas Coaches' Poll. Head coach Sasho Cirovski believes that his team's schedule among the toughest ever compiled in recent history.
"I want to make sure we find some weaknesses in our team during the season, and the only way we can do that is to play really good teams that can expose you," Cirovski says. "Then we use those moments to educate our team and get them to correct those things, so we are playing our best soccer in November and December."
Terp Lineups
Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski has used four different starting lineups in the Terps' 10 games. Here are the four different starting lineups the Terps have utilized in their first 10 games:
Furman, UCLA, NC State, Duke, Wake, North Carolina: Palmer, Stammler, Rodway, Bertz, Lancos, Sumed, Herrera, Buete, Goodson, Thompson, Mediate
Butler, George Mason: Palmer, Stammler, Rodway, Bertz, Lancos, Sumed, Herrera, Buete, Thompson, Garey, Mediate
American: Palmer, Stammler, Rodway, Bertz, Lancos, Herrera, Buete, Goodson, Garey, Marcantonio, Mediate
Loyola: Palmer, Stammler, Rodway, Bertz, Lancos, Herrera, Buete, Goodson, Thompson, Garey, Mediate
Familiar Faces
Maryland's starting lineup from the 2002 College Cup returns intact, as well as 12 reserves from last season. The Terrapins lost just one player from last season and added freshman goaltender Keegan Riseling to round out the roster.
Thompson, Sumed On Watch List
Junior forward Abe Thompson and senior midfielder Sumed Ibrahim were recently named to the Missouri Athletic Club (M.A.C.) Hermann Award watch list for the upcoming season. Thompson was the team's leading scorer in 2002 with 36 points (14 g, 8 a), while Sumed was a dominant force for the Terrapins in the midfield and scored 22 points (8 g, 6 a).
Maryland ACC Preseason Favorite
Maryland, the 2002 ACC Champions, has been selected as the favorite for the upcoming 2003 ACC Men's Soccer season, as determined by a vote of the league's seven head coaches. The Terrapins finished the 2002 campaign with a 20-5 overall record, including a 4-2 league mark and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Men's Soccer College Cup. Heading into 2003, Maryland collected 48 points in the pre-season balloting, edging out defending ACC regular-season champion Wake Forest, who finished second in the poll with 40 points.
The Demon Deacons finished the regular-season with a 4-0-2 league record and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Championship. Finishing third in the poll was Virginia with 30 points. The Cavaliers advanced to the finals of the 2002 ACC Championship and made their 22nd consecutive appearance in the NCAA Championship. Completing the pre-season poll in order of finish is North Carolina (28), Clemson (26), Duke (17) and NC State (7).
Considered by many to be one of the top soccer conferences in the nation, ACC schools have won 10 national championships in men's soccer over the last 19 years.
Stammler Named Team Captain
Senior defender Seth Stammler is the team's lone captain for 2003. Stammler, a native of Gahanna, Ohio, was a second team All-ACC selection in 2002, as well as earning All-ACC Tournament honors. This will be the second season that Stammler has served as captain.
Terps On The Tube
Two more Maryland Terrapin men's soccer games will be televised on CN8/Comcast Sports Net this season. The Terps' Sept. 5 showdown with defending NCAA champion UCLA was televised, and the Oct. 12 meeting with UConn and the Oct. 31 battle against Virginia on Halloween will also be featured on TV.
E-Mail Updates
For all results, scores and releases on the men's soccer team, sign up to be on the e-mail distribution list by sending an e-mail to Adam Zundell (azundell@umd.edu) with "Men's Soccer Info" in the subject line.
