ANN ARBOR, MI – No. 2 Maryland men's soccer suffered its first loss of the 2024 season in Big Ten play, losing to Michigan 2-0 on Friday at U-M Soccer Stadium. Entering the match, the Terps were the only unbeaten team in the conference and had a 12-game unbeaten streak. Maryland sits at 8-2-5 and 5-1-2 in Big Ten play.
The Terps are now in third place in the Big Ten with 17 points behind Indiana, which has 20 and Ohio State with 19. Maryland has two pivotal conferences matches left, at Rutgers on Tuesday and the home regular-season finale against Ohio State on Nov. 3.
Despite the loss, Maryland led Michigan significantly in shots (21-8) and corner kicks (12-5).
Albi Ndrenika led the Terps with five shots.
The Wolverines improved to 7-3-5 overall and 2-3-4 in conference action, thanks to goals by Patrick O'Toole and Bryce Blevins. Michigan Goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson made nine saves.
The XI
Breaking Down The Action
- The Terps drew a penalty in the sixth minute. Colin Griffith took the PK, but the Michigan goalkeeper saved his shot. Albi Ndrenika also had a chance on the rebound but missed high and right as contact was made.
- The Wolverines netted their first shot of the night to take a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute as Patrick O'Toole headed a pass from Bryce Blevins into the net.
- Maryland trailed at halftime but led in shots (6-2) and corners (4-2). A combined 23 fouls were called, preventing either team from getting into an offensive flow.
- The Wolverines extended their lead to 2-0 in the 49th minute with a goal on a penalty kick.
- Ndrenika rattled off two consecutive shots on goal in the 52nd minute, but the Wolverine's goalie saved both.
- Griffith's shot on goal in the 64th minute went off the post.
- Bjarne Thiesen put a clean shot on the net with a header in the 83rd minute, but the shot was saved once again.
Up Next
- The Terps will play at Rutgers on Oct. 29. The match begins at 7 p.m. and airs on Big Ten Plus.
