Sept. 5, 2008

Box Score

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The No. 9 Maryland men's soccer team dominated Hartford on Friday night en route to a 3-0 win against the Hawks at Ludwig Field.

The Terps (2-1-0) out-shot Hartford (1-1-0), 24-7, in front of over 3,000 fans in Maryland's home opener.

Doug Rodkey netted Maryland's first score, connecting on a Matt Kassel corner kick for a close-range strike to the back of the net in the 26th minute. Omar Gonzalez, who had a header goal called back against Cal last Sunday, secured his first goal of the season with a similar header in the 43rd minute to provide Maryland with a 2-0 lead at halftime. Kassel was credited with the assist on Gonzalez's goal as well.

Maryland continued to play shut-down defense and control the ball through the first half and into the second as A.J. Delagarza, Rich Costanzo and Gonzalez helped Maryland hold Hartford to a mere one shot on goal. Costanzo landed in the offensive category as well, when his assist, with help from Matt Oduaran, found Casey Townsend for Townsend's first career goal in the 75th minute.

Will Swaim picked up the win at keeper, his second this season, for Maryland, who next faces Davidson on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Ludwig Field.

The win was bittersweet for Terrapin head coach Sasho Cirovski, who spent time at the helm of the Hartford program in 1991 and 1992 before taking over at Maryland.

"It was internally conflicting for me tonight," Cirovski said. "I still have great relationships with players and staff there...I have a special place in my heart for their program."

Cirovski said the offensive outburst was promising for the Terps.

"We wanted to grow from last weekend and we did," Cirovski said. "We created lots of opportunities tonight."

The game, which was played under steady rain, was nevertheless a happy homecoming for the Terps, who spent last weekend on the West Coast.

"I want to thank our amazing 'Crew' for braving the weather tonight and for helping create such a great atmosphere."