COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Freshman Malcolm Johnston's 70th minute header was the winner in the No. 1 Maryland men's soccer team's victory over USF in the season opener at Ludwig Field Thursday night.

View from the Box

• The Terps were on the front foot for the majority of proceedings on a beautiful night for soccer in College Park. Maryland outshot USF 10-2 and did now allow a clear-cut chance throughout the match.
• The best chance of the opening 45 minutes came to the feet of junior Eric Matzelevich in the 11th minute. Sophomore Brayan Padilla squeezed a perfect through ball to the streaking Matzelevich, but the junior could not get the ball past Harrison Devenish-Meares.
• Matzelevich and his forward running mates Padilla and Justin Gielen along with the Maryland midfielders dominated USF with their defensive press for the whole 90 minutes. Job done.
• The second half sprung to life for Johnston's goal in the 70th minute. The freshman had been on the field for just four minutes when he opened his Maryland account. Johnston made a late run and got his head to Eli Crognale's pinpoint corner, putting it to the back post and past Devenish-Meares.
• As they had all night, Maryland's back four of Matt and Ben Di Rosa, Brett St. Martin and Johannes Bergmann smothered any attempt at a leveler from the Bulls. Bergmann expertly marshalled his men all night, and the defense was helped by a superb showing from redshirt freshman Nick Richardson in the center of the park.
• Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Russell Shealy picked up his first win in his Maryland debut, needing just a pair of saves to keep a clean sheet.
• Special plaudits must be given to all those that made their Terp debuts: Shealy, Johnston, Richardson, Marques Antoine, Justin Harris and David Kovacic.
• Maryland is now 15-6-6 in season openers under 27th-year head coach Sasho Cirovski. The Terps are undefeated in their last nine home openers (8-0-1).
• Cirovski now has 388 victories for his Terps' career, just 12 wins away from 400.
• Maryland has not conceded a goal in its last 590 minutes of play dating back to last season.
• Johnston's tally is the first for a freshman in a season opener since Matzelevich scored in the opener at Santa Clara in 2017.
• Crognale has three assists in his last three matches dating back to last season. Maryland's No. 10 assisted on both goals of Maryland's College Cup semifinal win over Indiana.

From the Boss
"I'm delighted to start the season with a win. I thought our defensive pressure was outstanding, that was the bright spot tonight. Our pressure all over the field was smothering and it reminded me what we looked like at the end of last year. We can be sharper in the attack, but that is a very good USF team. They've got NCAA Tournament written all over them." – Sasho Cirovski

From the Boys
"That was one of the best feelings I have felt in my entire life. Looking at The Crew, all of them cheering us on. You can't ask for more than that." – Malcolm Johnston

View from the Pitch

• Former All-American center back and current DC United standout Donovan Pines sat pitch side throughout the match cheering on his former teammates. Cirovski made sure to mention that he believed Pines' replacement Brett St. Martin played well to impress the MLS star. No matter the reason, St. Martin was sensational on the night and put a big smile on the jovial Pines' face.
• Cirovski had hardware to dish out postgame as he presented a National Championship ring to University of Maryland president Dr. Wallace Loh. Loh is a giant soccer fan who stands just inches behind Cirovski's touchline position during Maryland matches. The president was thrilled with his new bling.

On the Slate

• It is the second edition of the "Battle for the DMV" as Maryland renews the best rivalry in college soccer with Virginia. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at DC United's Audi Field in Washington D.C. Fans can listen to the match live on WMUC Sports.