Sept. 11, 2012
Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
In a rematch of last season's overtime thriller, the No. 3 Maryland men's soccer team defeated in-state rival UMBC 3-1 Tuesday night at Ludwig Field.
Redshirt freshman Jordan Tatum picked up his first career win at keeper with three saves. Patrick Mullins and Jake Pace tallied goals for the Terps (4-0-1), who have now registered 13 goals in the last three matches.
After a stale opening 25 minutes, Maryland took the lead off of a UMBC own goal. A dangerous free kick from Dan Metzger put the UMBC defender in a precarious spot, forcing him to head the ball into his own net.
UMBC was able to find a goal of its own in the 62nd minute, when freshman Kadeem Dacres headed in a Milo Kapor corner which then ricocheted off a Terrapin defender. The Retrievers' goal was against the run of play, with Maryland controlling the pace of play most of the second half.
Tsubasa Endoh almost broke the tie with 33 minutes to play, sending a scorching free kick that was acrobatically saved by UMBC keeper Phil Saunders.
Maryland's ambition was rewarded in the 71st minute, when freshman defender Mikey Ambrose bended in a cross that found Mullins on the doorstep. Mullins headed in the pass for his second goal of the season.
After the goal, Maryland pushed hard to pull away from the Retrievers. Pace sealed the game for Maryland in the 76th minute, smashing the ball in from close range. Pace's chance was created by a floated flick-on header by John Stertzer, which forced a save from Saunders.
Maryland outshot UMBC 15-6, including an 11-4 advantage after halftime.
"We expected a tough game and we got one. UMBC deserves a lot of credit for their effort, their competitiveness and their organization," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "I thought they gave us a great challenge tonight. In the end, we found a way to respond to that challenge and I'm proud of our guys for their resolve.
"Our depth and versatility showed once again. We got pushed a little tonight and we responded very well. So, it's on to the next one."
In a patriotic moment from Maryland's fan group, The Crew, a large group of fans chanted `U-S-A' at the 9:11 mark in each half.
Maryland will now hit the road for games against NC State and Old Dominion. The September 14th match against NC State can be seen at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN3.
