The Terps look to snap a two-game skid against the No. 1 team in the country.
Maryland men’s soccer has hit the toughest stretch of its season, and it’s about to get harder.
In the middle of the Terps first losing streak of 2024, the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes are coming to Ludwig Field to try and extend it. The game will be Maryland’s last of the regular season before it heads to Chicago for the Big Ten Tournament.
The game will kickoff at 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon and air on Big Ten Network.
No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1-3, 6-1-2 Big Ten)
Much like the Terps, Ohio State had a dominant run to start Big Ten play. Unlike the Terps, though, it has shown little signs of slowing down.
The Buckeyes established themselves as a force in the conference early, going undefeated in their nonconference slate with one draw. In the Big Ten, they have been almost unbeatable as well, with the exception of a 2-1 road loss to UCLA in early October.
Seventh-year head coach Brian Maisonneuve has solidified his team as national championship contender. Ut will be the best team Maryland faces this regular season.
Players to watch
Michael Adedokun, senior midfielder, No. 17 — Adedokun is one of the most dynamic players in the Big Ten right now, leading the conference in points, with eight goals and nine assists. He will be top of mind for Maryland defensively throughout the match.
Siggi Magnusson, graduate defender, No. 30 — Magnusson is a rock in Ohio State’s backline. He has professional experience for the Icelandic national team and in its domestic league. He was named to the All-Big Ten second team in 2023 and has been a top 100 player in the country this season, according to Top Drawer Soccer.
Marko Borkovic, junior midfielder, No. 7 — Borkovic is another serious threat in Ohio State’s midfield with five goals and four assists. He was also named to Top Drawer Soccer’s top 100 players in the country.
Strength
Midfield. Ohio State’s midfield group is probably the best in the country. Its midfielders combined have scored 28 goals this season and assisted on 29. This matchup will be especially tough for Maryland in the absence of its best midfielder Leon Koehl.
Weakness
Goalkeeping. The Buckeyes were forced to make a change at goalie ahead of their last game, when Max Trejo, who had been their regular starter, was injured in warmups.
They turned to redshirt freshman Patrick McLaughlin, who had started some matches earlier in the year. Michigan State scored on him twice and the Buckeyes drew for just the third time all season. His save percentage is just 62%, which is on the low end for Big Ten keepers.
Three things to watch
1. No Cirovski on the sidelines. Maryland will be without head coach Sasho Cirovski after he picked up a red card for arguing with a referee against Rutgers. Assistant coach Brian Rowland took over in the second half, so he will likely be at the helm against the Buckeyes. Rowland was formerly the men’s soccer head coach at Temple University for five seasons.
2. Terps can still secure No. 2. Despite the hard times that have befallen Maryland, the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament is still in play. If Maryland wins it will be level on points with Ohio State and hold the head-to-head tie breaker. Ohio State can earn the No. 1 seed and a share of the Big Ten title with a win.
3. Kulvik and Thiesen’s health. Center backs Bjarne Thiesen’s and William Kulvik’s heads collided in the second half against Rutgers, leaving both of them visibly shaken up. They both remained in the game, but if either of them are unable to start it would leave Maryland’s back line depleted.