COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland men's soccer team opened their season in front of a raucous crowd and delivered an impressive 1-0 victory over No. 18 Charlotte at Ludwig Field Thursday night.

Nearing the end of a first half of physical play, freshman Caden Stafford took a beautiful touch pass from sophomore Jacen Russell-Rowe and planted it behind the 49ers goalie. The Terps spent the first half hour of the match trying to find their footing and once they did, they began to control the tempo. Going into the second half up 1-0, Maryland didn't settle back on defense. They kept pushing forward and adding pressure on the Charlotte defense. This level of control allowed the Terps defenders to sit back and keep the 49ers attackers at bay with their one shot on goal being stopped by Jamie Lowell. Despite the chippy play overall, Maryland was able to keep calm and complete the opening-game victory. 

Stafford Strikes

• Freshman Caden Stafford made the most of his College Park debut as the Philadelphia Union academy product scored in the 39th minute to send the fans into a frenzy. 
• Jacen Russell-Rowe got the primary assist after a beautiful chip over the defender that set Stafford up for the score. Stafford finished with class, using the outside of his boot to beat the keeper to the far post. 
• Stafford set up another chance late in the second half but after Hunter George's shot and would-be goal, the Terps were ruled offside. 

Between The Pipes 

• Sophomore Jamie Lowell made his season debut tonight in goal after starting eight contests last year as a freshman. 
• The Seattle Sounders Academy product wasn't tested much in the first game of the season but he stood tall when called upon. 

Tearing It Up

• The physical play reached a boiling point in the first half when midfielder Ben Bender got his jersey torn by a Charlotte opponent. Cooler heads would prevail as both team's separated without cards needing to be doled out. 
• Things got especially heated in the second half as a total of five yellow cards were issued with two of them going to a Ethan Sawdon, which saw the Charlotte defender sent off.

The Crew Returns

• Maryland soccer's iconic student section The Crew made their return to College Park for the first time since 2019, making their presence felt by cheering on the team in everything they did. 
• The Crew was at their loudest when Stafford scored as the lights inside Ludwig Field began to flash on and off with the goal song playing in the background. 

From The Coach

• "This is a great result against a very good and tough Charlotte team. I challenged our guys to improve defensively, and I thought our defensive effort was outstanding today against a very good Charlotte attacking team. I'm very happy for all of our freshmen and sophomores to get an opportunity to play under the lights and in front of the crew. I think that was a special moment that a couple of them even combined for the goal. It's nice to be able to have the contributions from so many people today. All in all, I thought it was a great opening night win against a top-20 team. We're making progress, getting better and looking forward to Sunday."

Up Next 

• The team will stay home and face the UMBC Retrievers at 7:30 pm at Ludwig Field.