Maryland soccer head coach Sasho Cirovski knows his team’s start to the season hasn’t been up to par. Still, his confidence is unshaken that the Terps will put out a largely improved product the rest of the way.
“Obviously, the first two games have been a difficult start, but there’s been reasons for that,” Cirovski said. “I’m extremely confident that we’re going to see the Maryland of old this year.”
Cirovski went on to say the team will be regaining many players who were out with injuries or eligibility issues this Friday, and even more in the coming weeks.
Friday’s game will begin at 7:30 p.m. and stream on Big Ten Plus.
Detroit Mercy (1-1-0, 0-0 Horizon League)
2023 record: 5-10-3 (4-3-2 Horizon League)
Detroit Mercy’s season is off to a roller coaster of a start. To open its season, it went on the road to play Dayton of the Atlantic 10 and suffered a crushing defeat, 5-1.
But, just four days later, it made the trip to Eastern Illinois and handed the Panthers the exact same scoreline, winning 5-1. The Titans, led by second-year head coach Nate Kopunek, will head to College Park Friday, hoping to build on their win.
Players to watch
Guershom Sylvain, junior forward, No. 10 — After a quiet season debut against Dayton, Sylvain was responsible for two of the team’s five goals against Eastern Illinois. His two goals in two games puts him above Maryland’s offensive output alone. Sylvain scored three times as a sophomore and made the Horizon League All-Freshman team in 2022.
Casey McCarthy, junior defender, No. 4 — McCarthy is the Titans’ captain, a role he gained as a sophomore. Through two games, he is the only Titan to play all 180 minutes and has already notched a goal and an assist. He should be the anchor of a Detroit Mercy defense that is looking to silence the Terps’ attack.
Drew Pierson, sophomore midfielder/defender, No. 27 — Pierson was also selected as one of the team’s three captains in just his second season. He earned a place on the Horizon League All-Freshman team last season, and has already provided an assist off a corner kick in the Titans’ win over Eastern Illinois.
Strength
Attack. Given the polarizing start to the Titans’ season, they are a difficult group to evaluate. However, six goals over the course of two games from five different players is a sign that they are capable of finding the back of the net. Sylvain will likely be joined by junior Tim Allos up top.
Weakness
Defense. If scoring six goals in two games is impressive, allowing six is not. Despite a much improved performance against Eastern Illinois, the Titans’ back line and starting goalkeeper, Quinn Tews, have allowed goals in bunches. Maryland’s struggling offense should have ample opportunity to end its goal-scoring struggles.
Three things to watch
1. New look squad? According to Cirovski, Maryland is expecting a plethora of players who have been out for one reason or another to be available on Friday night. International players who were previously ineligible include forward Mikkel Lejbowicz and newly-announced winger Cristiano Fitzgerald. Cirovski also said two key players — Albi Ndrenika and Max Riley — will return from their injuries.
2. How will the Terps bounce back? Both Cirovski and his players seemed confident that the Georgetown loss, though frustrating in nature, would not carry over into Friday’s match.
“We obviously are very upset with the loss,” captain Alex Nitzl said. “The college season is so short and fast-paced and there [are] quick turnarounds, so there’s not a lot of time to mourn about old games.”
3. Potential trap game. On paper, this should be the weakest opposition Maryland faces in 2024. The Terps, who need to get in the win column, can’t afford to take any opposition lightly, and have to play their best soccer Friday night.
