No. 2 Maryland Falls To MLS' D.C. United, 2-0, In Preseason Exhibition

Aug. 20, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - D.C. United scored two goals in the first 10 minutes to take a 2-0 decision over Maryland's men's soccer team in an exhibition contest Wednesday night at Ludwig Field.

Over 2,700 fans attended the contest at the renovated stadium, which has added seating behind both goals and signage around the perimeter of the field, making it the fifth-largest crowd to watch a Maryland game.

"It was a great night because after a week of training we were able to see a couple of areas that we need to get better at," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "We moved the ball well, better than we did last year against them, and we had some good possessions and quality play.

"The crowd tonight was amazing," Cirovski continued. "It's a tribute to the direction our program is headed, and the class that D.C. United showed to come out and put on a great show. I thought it was a match with a great spirit to it." Earnie Stewart led off the scoring in the fourth minute of action when he finished a header off a corner kick by Marco Etcheverry that found the foot of Ryan Nelson before Stewart put the ball in the back of the net.

Just over four minutes later, Jose Alegria sent a ball deep over the Maryland defense and found former Virginia standout Alecko Eskandarian on a breakaway for the score. D.C. United held a slim advantage in total shots, 16-14. Nino Marcantonio put two shots on goal in Maryland's best scoring opportunities.

The Terrapins open the regular season on Friday, Aug. 29, against Furman at the Diadora Challenge hosted by Creighton.

		1	2	F
D.C. United	2	0	2
Maryland	0	0	0

Scoring: 4:13 -- D.C. United: Earnie Stewart (Marco
Etcheverry, Ryan Nelson); 8:56 - D.C. United: Alecko
Eskandarian (Jose Alegria)
Shots: D.C. United 10 + 6 = 16, Maryland 7 +7 = 14
Corners: D.C. United 4 +1 = 5, Maryland 2 +1 = 3
Fouls: D.C. United 3 + 6 = 9, Maryland 6 + 1 = 7
Goalkeeping: D.C. United - Doug Warren (45 minutes, 0 goals
against, 3 saves; Jorge Geddes, 45 minutes, 1 save);
Maryland - Craig Salvati (90 minutes, 2 goals against, 5 saves)
Cards: None

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