COLLEGE PARK, MD – Maryland men's soccer (1-1-1) picked up its first win of the 2024 season with a 5-2 victory over Detroit (1-2) at Ludwig Field on Aug. 25.
The Terrapins manufactured four first-half goals, the most since scoring four in the first half of a 4-0 win against Stanford on Sept 2, 2011. Maryland's five goals through 90 minutes was also its most since scoring six in a 6-4 victory over Villanova last season on Oct. 10.
The Terps scored their first three goals in the first 20 minutes of action. Senior defender William Kulvik scored two of the goals during that period. He recorded his first career multi-goal game.
Kulvik's first goal came in just the 12th minute off a shot from midfield. Chris Steinleitner was credited with the assist — his first as a Terp. Kulvik canned another goal just three minutes later. Graduate transfer Max Rogers was awarded the assist, his first in a Maryland uniform.
Albi Ndrenika joined the first-half scoring column in the 44th minute. Assisting on the play was Luca Costabile. Matias De Jesus scored in the second half. It was his first career goal.
Freshman Laurin Mack and graduate transfer Hudson Blatteis were in goal for Maryland's shutout. Mack recorded one save and Blatteis recorded four.
Cirovski's Take
"We challenged our guys after the last match to come out with a tenacity and more execution in the attack and we certainly got it today. We had some more available players, which was the first time we had more of the attacking pieces available and we saw the output today. Will was a tremendous leader on the field with his play, but also getting the two goals as he did was fantastic. That was an incredible goal from midfield to recognize that and to execute that technically is really special. Then to follow that up with a set piece goal, in the manner that he did was exceptional. Obviously that is something we have been working on and today we saw that we were a lot more dangerous on those during the game. Seeing Albi come into the match his first effort after a year was a very emotional moment for him and the whole team. What he's gone through has been quite remarkable, so certainly that was a welcome sight to see him get his first few minutes and it's something to build on for him."
Albi Ndrenika on Getting First Action After Missing 2023 Season
"I have to thank all the staff, all the doctors, all my teammates, and my family that have helped me get through this past year. It hasn't been easy, but I had the best support around me so that made a world of difference. I only had 10 minutes, so I was trying to make the most of it. I hope this can boost us to help us beat [Virginia]."
The XI
Breaking Down The Action
- William Kulvik scored the game's first goal in the 12th minute off an assist from Chris Steinleitner. He connected on a shot from midfield as he saw the Detroit goalkeeper leave the net.
- Kulvik doubled up with another goal in the 15th minute. Max Rogers assisted on the play to give the Terps a 2-0 advantage.
- Luke Van Heukelum joined the scoring column with a low right goal off an assist from Sadam Masereka in the 19th minute.
- Albi Ndrenika scored in the 44th minute as the first half came to a close. Luca Costabile assisted on the play, and Maryland led 4-0.
- Matias De Jesus scored in the 51st minute off an assist by Max Riley.
- Detroit scored its first goal of the game in the 76th minute. However, the Terps led 5-1.
- Detroit added another goal in the 87th minute.
Numbers To Know
- 1: Chris Steinleitner and Max Rogers recorded their first career assists as Terps.
- 1: William Kulvik recorded his first career multi-goal game.
- 1: Matias De Jesus scored his first career goal as a Terp.
- 1: Mikkel Lejbowicz made his collegiate debut.
- 3: Maryland scored three goals in the game's first 20 minutes.
- 4: The Terrapins scored four first-half goals, the most in a half since 2011.
- 5: Maryland's five goals were the most since defeating Villanova last season.
Up Next
- The Terps return to Ludwig Field on Sept. 2 for a game against No. 13 Virginia. The game starts at 7 p.m. and will air on B1G+.
