COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Freshman Eryk Williamson scored his fifth goal in as many games as the No. 10 Maryland men's soccer defeated Virginia, 1-0, at Ludwig Field Sunday evening.
The Terrapins (11-5-5) controlled the contest throughout and held a 23-8 shot advantage over the Cavaliers (10-5-3).
“We expected a hard fought game, and we got one, but I think we deserved the result,” head coach Sasho Cirovski said. “I was extremely proud of how our players competed and that we played some beautiful soccer.”
Maryland started the game on the front foot and almost gained the advantage in the fifth minute when junior Alex Crognale saw his header palmed over the bar from a Mael Corboz free kick.
Williamson's tally came in the 38th minute as he collected a free kick from Corboz and sealed the shot from short range to the right of the goal. The assist was Corboz's team leading 10th of the season.
The Terrapins outshot the Cavaliers, 9-3, in the first half.
Maryland had multiple chances in the second half to increase itsl ead, including an Ivan Magalhaes shot off a Tsubasa Endoh corner that was saved at the edge of the goal line with 27 minutes remaining. Connor Smith and Amar Sejdic each had close-range shots stopped in the second half.
Sejdic's attempt came in the 83rd minute. Endoh served in a dangerous cross to the back post that the freshman headed back across the face of goal only to see it cleared away by a Virginia defender.
Maryland also held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks. Junior goalkeeper Cody Niedermeier finished the outing with a shutout and two saves.
After facing the 2014 NCAA champions in Virginia, Maryland faces the 2013 victors, seventh-seeded Notre Dame, next Sunday, Nov. 22, in the third round of the NCAA Tournament in South Bend, Ind.
– Maryland –
