Maryland men’s soccer enters a Monday night clash with San Diego State with just one loss, two wins and two ties, including a 2-1 record in their last three games.
Despite its record, questions remain about whether Maryland is prepared for its difficult schedule ahead with Big Ten play approaching.
The Terps will look to put some of those to bed against the Aztecs in the programs first ever match up.
The game will start at 7 p.m. and stream on Big Ten Plus.
San Diego State (3-2, 0-0 Mountain West)
San Diego State, led by fifth-year head coach Ryan Hopkins, came into the season protecting a 13-game unbeaten streak in nonconference games.
That streak was broken quickly, as San Diego State lost two of its first five games to San Diego and Vermont. The Aztecs still won more than they’ve lost, though, highlighted by a 5-2 win over UC Riverside.
Players to Watch
Austin Brummett, junior forward, No. 10 — Brummett was the Aztec’s leading goal scorer in 2023, finding the net seven times. He already scored two goals and generated 10 shots on goal this season. He will be a primary focus for Maryland’s back line Monday night.
Eddy Vargas, senior goalkeeper, No. 00 — San Diego State conceded four goals in the first three halves of their season. As a result, Hopkins decided to make a change at goalkeeper, inserting Vargas. In the three and a half games since, the Aztecs have allowed just three goals. Vargas made five saves in the team’s 1-0 loss to Vermont.
Reid Fisher, sophomore defender, No. 27 — Fisher was a stand out for the Aztecs in his freshman season. He anchored the team’s back line, starting every match and earning a laundry list of accolades in the process, including being named College Soccer News’ Pac-12 Player of the Year.
Strength
Defense. In their last three games, the Aztecs have allowed just two goals, and are fresh off a shut out of Sacramento State. This could create problems for Maryland, who has struggled to generate goals at times in 2024.
Weakness
Consistency. The Aztecs have been hard to rely on this season. Their offense has exploded for five goals in one game, but also failed to score in two. Their defense has improved, but also conceded five goals in the team’s first two games. Maryland will hope the weaker version of San Diego State shows up to College Park.
Three things to watch
1. Substitutions. After giving more opportunities to some of his young substitutes against Brown, Cirovski alluded to still figuring out the most effective way to manage his substitutions with the NCAA’s new rules. When and for how long he uses his reserve players — and which players — will be interesting to monitor.
2. Changes at forward? Maryland has gone with the same strike partnership of Colin Griffith and Luke Van Heukelum through Maryland’s opening five games. Van Heukelum scored twice, but Griffith remains goalless. Cirovski switching the unit up is not out of the cards, but there is no clear alternative. Mikkel Lejbowicz has been Maryland’s first striker off the bench and Max Riley has started in the past.
3. A potential Momentum builder. On the other side of this match, Maryland has what will likely be their toughest test of the season looming in No. 10 Wisconsin on Friday night. The Terps will hope to enter conference play on a two-game winning streak.
