Maryland men’s soccer ties UMBC, 1-1

When Donovan Pines scored in the 55th minute for his first career goal, Maryland men’s soccer was on its way to a program-record sixth straight shutout. The Terps’ backline hadn’t given up a goal in five straight matches, and even playing in front of a sold-out crowd, UMBC didn’t look like it would end its in-state rival’s streak.

But after 567 minutes of not allowing a goal, the Retrievers scored just five minutes after the Terps took a 1-0 lead.

When all was said and done, the in-state rivals played to a 1-1 draw, the second tie between the programs in their last two regular season meetings.

After a scoreless first half, Maryland doubled its shot total in the first 10 minutes of the second half. The Terps pushed aggressively out of halftime, as Eryk Williamson and Gordon Wild both had dangerous shots blocked inside the box.

After four quick corners to start the second half, Wild crossed a ball into the box where it met Jake Rozhansky’s head. The midfielder flicked the ball backward and onto the foot of Pines, who slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the net for his first career goal.

Even though Pines converted an offensive opportunity, he played one of his best defense games, too. The sophomore has turned into a mainstay of Maryland’s defense, and it continued Tuesday night.

Pines showcased his size, heading away nearly every ball sent into the Maryland box. In the third and 28th minutes, Pines blocked UMBC shots that would’ve been put on net. The second looked as if it would’ve gotten past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who was leaning in the opposite direction. Pines almost scored in the 42nd minute, but his header off a corner went just over the crossbar.

A trend of late, Maryland had first-half opportunities to take a lead into the break. The best chances, though, was Wild’s diving header in front of net that hit the crossbar and pushed away by Retriever goalie Ciara O’Loughlin. Wild had the game’s first three shots and half of Maryland’s first-half totals.

After sitting out last match against Michigan State with a hamstring injury, defender George Campbell returned to the starting lineup. While he played quality defense, his biggest presence was felt offensively.

The Terps’ best chances came when the midfielders played through balls down the right side of the field to Campbell, who would set himself up for crosses into the box. Just minutes after Wild’s dangerous header, Sebastian Elney received a threatening cross from Campbell, but his backheel shot didn’t have enough power to reach the goal before a save.

Defender Johannes Bergmann did not play until overtime, leaving Miles Stray to step up and fill in for most of the match. He played well, but the Retrievers equalized in the 60th minute on a volley from Gregg Hauck. It was the first goal Maryland allowed since Sept. 1.

While UMBC tied the game, Maryland dominated the second half and overtime offensively, outshooting the Retrievers 24-12 in the game. Substitute Ben Di Rosa hit the cross and Wild ripped a free kick on goal, but it was pushed out for a corner.

In the first overtime, Maryland had the only four shots. Rozhansky had an open shot on goal, but it was saved by O’Laughlin. St. Clair made a pair of saves in overtime to prevent a loss, and another Williamson shot was blocked before the game ended in a tie.

Maryland (6-0-3) returns to Big Ten play this Friday at home against Northwestern at 7 p.m. ET.

Three things to know

1. The shutout streak is over. The Terps tied the program record with five consecutive shutouts, but couldn’t make it six against UMBC. It was the first goal Maryland has given up in 25 days and over 567 minutes of gameplay. It was a great run, including shutouts against then-ranked No. 4 Indiana and No. 6 Michigan State. After uncertainty heading into the season, the backline has proven it’s still one of the best in the country.
2. Donovan Pines was the man of the match. He started the season switching starts with Miles Stray, but it’s becoming increasingly clear Pines should play the lion’s share of minutes until he graduates. He won nearly every header and had numerous blocked shots against UMBC. He’s been more aggressive offensively in the last few matches, and it finally paid off Tuesday. If Pines can start converting off corners like Alex Crognale did in the past few years, it would be a great new way Maryland can generate goals in the future.
3. Terps versus Retrievers needs to turn into an annual matchup. It was the first time Maryland and UMBC played since 2014, but both of those were great matches. The two played to a 0-0 draw in the regular season before the Retrievers shocked the Terps, 1-0, in the NCAA Tournament. The matchup Tuesday night was another chapter in a great rivalry. Put this one of the schedule every year; it’s great for soccer in the state.