Terps Take Portugal

The Maryland men's soccer team has embarked on a 10-day tour of Portugal from March 16-26, playing three matches during that span. The following is an abridged version of the daily blog to give Terp fans some of the stories, the sights, and memorable moments of Maryland's trip to Europe's oldest country. 

Travel/Day One (March 16-17)

The Terps set off on their journey on Thursday afternoon with an early evening flight from Dulles to Lisbon with a connecting flight to the squad's first destination, Porto. The bus ride to the airport was stressful, but not for any travel issues, but because the boys were watching the Maryland men's basketball team finish off a first-round NCAA Tournament win over West Virginia. The boys cheered with every Hakim Hart bucket and roared for JuJu Reese's late-game poster dunk. Then, a collective exhale was had when the Terps finally closed out a 67-65 win. 

That, however, was the easy part of the trip.

From a customs workers' strike causing missed connections to long waits in airport lines, the trip from Lisbon to Porto was an arduous one. But, group by group, the Terps arrived in Porto ready for their next adventure.

After training, the team set off on a walking tour of Porto, led by local guide Diana. It began in the beautiful Aliados, which is the main center of Porto. The tour finished with an incredible view of the city and Douro River.

Day Two (Match Day One vs. Vitoria U-23 | March 18)

No rest for the weary! After a long travel day, the Terps were in action for the first time against Vitoria S.C.'s U-23 side in Guimaraes. The match was hosted by the Open Village Sports Hotel and Spa, a beautiful complex that routinely hosts visiting professional sides and Portuguese National Team camps.

Prior to heading to Guimaraes, Maryland's players and staff embarked on a morning walk led of course by head coach Sasho Cirovski, who, in a surprise to no one we are sure, walks with a brisk pace. The team stretched in a pretty square surrounded by the town locals. It was quite the sight.

The Terrapins opened their trip to Portugal with a 3-2 win over the Vitoria U-23's at the Open Village Sports Hotel and Spa in Guimaraes, Portugal. 

Maryland used goals from Stefan Copetti, Max Riley and Ethan Gregory to defeat a quality Vitoria side.

"This was a great start to our trip," head coach Sasho Cirovski said to his players post game. "I saw a lot of good things today and I'm proud of the way you represented Maryland soccer on this field."

The team returned to the hotel in good spirits. Those turned to great spirits after a birthday song for Albi and an overtime win for Maryland Men's Lacrosse that was watched on strength coach Ben Hoffman's iPhone.

Day Three (March 19)

The northern town of Braga dominated the Terps' Sunday in Portugal. The team set out from Porto for a morning training session at S.C. Braga's Academy, a light workout after the squad's whirlwind first 48 hours. The complex, which is about five years old, was sensational, with full facilities for the club's various youth teams. It sits a stone's throw away from Estadio Municipal de Braga, the home of the club's first team and where the Terps would take in a huge match between S.C. Braga and F.C. Porto that evening.

Unfortunately, the Terps didn't witness the home fans explode in happiness. Braga and Porto played a  wide-open game that somehow ended 0-0 despite both teams having good chances to break through. However, many in the travel party can't get the fans' songs and chants out of their heads. The day certainly had a lasting impact on the group.

Day Four (March 20)

Social media hijinks and a pickleball challenge are all highlighted in the daily blog, so be sure to check that out.

The big moments were not over! Following training, the Terps dined at Brasao Coliseu for one express purpose, eating the famous Francesinha, a staple of Porto. What a unit this sandwich is. You can't even eat it with your hands! Two thick slices of white bread with ham, steak, sausage, and cheese in the middle, topped with more cheese, and a fried egg on top.

The boys were able to enjoy some shopping and sightseeing before heading back to the hotel for dinner. From there it was early to bed because Day 5 was another Match Day for the Terps against SC Braga's U-23 team.

Day Five (Match Day Two vs. Braga U-23 | March 21)

Braga is about a 45-minute journey from the Terps' home base in Porto, so the squad would need to find its morning legs against a strong Braga side playing some of its most highly-rated prospects. 

The Terps dropped their match to S.C. Braga on the day. Braga's squad, which included multiple players that had logged minutes with their first team, controlled the first 45 minutes of the match from bell to bell. Playing against a different XI in the second half, the Terps created multiple high-quality chances but ultimately were unable to tally a goal in the match. 

Braga allowed the Terps to use all their facilities for training, hosted the travel party for a first-team match, and showed Maryland massive respect with how they approached the match. A class organization through and through, and everyone on the trip from Maryland wishes Braga good luck with everything in the future. BRAGA, BRAGA, BRAGA forever. 

This night marked the end of the Terps' time in Porto, but left everyone with the history, incredible culture, welcoming people, and breathtaking views.

Day Six (March 22)

Hello Lisbon! It was a travel day for the Terps as they set off south to the Portuguese capital. While in Lisbon, the squad is set to play Benfica's U-23 team and attend a Portuguese National Team match, among other activities.

But first, the Terps made a quick stop in Nazaré.

After enjoying Nazaré, the Terps hopped back on the bus and headed the about 90 more minutes down to Lisbon. Maryland is stationed in Caparica, which is not in the center of Lisbon, but is on the coast right on the beach. Not too shabby, with the entrance to the hotel about an 18-yard box away from sand. 

Thanks for checking out this abridged edition of the Maryland Men's Soccer “Terps In Portugal Daily Blog.” Be sure to click over to see how the remainder of the trip fares for the Terps.