COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Terrapins play No. 11 Georgetown Tuesday night, the program that edged Maryland in the 2012 College Cup semifinals, or as head coach Sasho Cirovski called it, “the greatest semifinal in the history of college soccer.”
While he admits tears were shed after the heartbreaking contest that ended a 20-win season, Maryland's legendary coach keeps it in perspective for those who will make this game something it's not.
“It was two years ago. It was a long time ago. I have a lot more important things on mind right now,” he said. “It was a painful memory…it's been filed away and we're ready for this year's team.”
The 2014 Georgetown Hoyas are by no means the same team, nor are the Terps. But there remains the tradition of the talented programs and a few players on each side who experienced the epic match.
The Dec. 7 game in Alabama included two goals from Maryland's Schillo Tshuma and one for both Patrick Mullins and Christiano Francis, all of whom moved on to the professional ranks. But senior captain Dan Metzger played 113 minutes in the double-overtime thriller and then-freshman defender Mikey Ambrose struck the crossbar with a shot whose rebound led to Mullins' goal. Current Terps Jereme Raley, Mikias Eticha and Tsubasa Endoh also saw some time on the pitch.
“I haven't beaten them since I've been here,” said Metzger. “Personally, I definitely want to get this win…it's definitely a big rivalry for me.”
The Hoyas have some players from that game as well, most notably Brandon Allen, who comes into Tuesday's game with seven goals on the season. A Maryland defense that has carried its weight so far this season will have its hands full but are ready for the challenge.
“We know [Allen] really well,” said Ambrose, who describes him as a poacher in the box. “He's one of my good friends, I've played against him with the national team a lot…I don't really have to watch film on him.”
Despite the sting of the semifinal and the billing to get revenge, Cirovski points out that winning the game will not much help cope with that loss. Rather, it would extend a two-game winning streak and keep the ball rolling for this year's squad.
“These are two of the better playing teams in the country,” said Cirovski. “Obviously we've gotten off to a slow start but we're playing well right now. I think this game will have big ramifications later in the year.”
Ben Strack, a senior journalism major at the University of Maryland, is a contributing writer to umterps.com.
