Maryland men’s soccer has been enjoying plenty of success in 2024, ranking top 10 in the country and occupying first place the conference.
For the first time since early September, though, it will be tasked with playing a nonconference game against local foe George Mason.
The match, which will air on Big Ten Plus at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, presents the Terps with the opportunity to build on their 2-1-3 nonconference record.
No. 13 George Mason Patriots (10-2-0, 4-1-0 Atlantic-10)
The Patriots opened their season with five straight nonconference victories, before Old Dominion handed them one of their just two losses this season.
From there, they began Atlantic 10 play, starting a perfect 4-0, before losing, 2-1, at home to Duquesne on Saturday night.
This season marks a remarkable turnaround for the Patriot’s program, led by third year head coach Rich Costanzo. They have already won more games to this point in 2024 than they have in any season in the last 10 years.
Players to watch
Marek Gonda, graduate forward, No. 9 — Gonda has been the starting striker all year, but the last couple weeks, he’s seen his production explode. Gonda has scored five times in the Patriots last four games, putting his total at seven goals for the season. He is the team’s penalty kick taker with two of his goals coming from the spot.
Quentin Clain, sophomore midfielder, No. 17 — Clain is listed as a sophomore, but is 23 years old and joined the Patriots this season after playing professionally in France’s fourth division. He has been highly effective this season, recording five goals and three assists. Clain is constantly looking to score with 31 shots this year.
Luis Maestre, graduate defender, No. 31 — Maestre has been a mainstay of George Mason’s defense for the last two seasons after transferring from Division II West Virginia. Maestre earned second-team all-conference honors last year, and has notched four assists and a goal in 2024.
Strength
Fluidity. George Mason has far and away more assists than any other team in the Atlantic 10 in 2024 with 32, more than one per goal. The team’s ability to string together passing combinations has bolstered its offensive production, and the Terps will have to try and break up its rhythm early and often.
Weakness
Strength of schedule. On paper, Maryland is far and away the best team George Mason has played in 2024. The Patriots are the only ranked team in their conference and didn’t play a ranked opponent in nonconference play.
Three things to watch
1. Quick turnaround for the Terps. The Terps have performed far better when they have some time to prepare. In games when Maryland has four days of rest or less, it is 2-1-3, versus 5-0-1 when is has five or more days of rest.
2. Style adjustment? Maryland has spent its last six games fighting scrappy Big Ten battles. How the game will differ stylistically, and how that will or won’t affect Maryland will be something to monitor.
3. Resume builder? Assuming George Mason stays in the top 25 poll after its loss, this will be the third ranked team Maryland has played this season. It could be an opportunity to gain a quality victory before the postseason.
