COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - Luca Costabile needed just 13 minutes and 44 seconds to give Maryland the early lead, slotting home a perfectly weighted through ball from Albi Ndrenika and Chris Steinleitner before a crowd of 2,417 fans at Ludwig Field.
The early breakthrough set the tone for what became an action-packed defensive battle, with both teams creating chances but Maryland's potent offense ultimately proving too much for the Hoosiers. Indiana's goalkeeper made five saves to deny the Terrapins further goals, but Maryland's clinical finishing was decisive.
The first half was a tactical chess match, with both teams marshaling their defenses and struggling to create clear-cut chances. Maryland's Charlie Heuer came closest just before halftime, firing a shot narrowly wide of the post in the 43rd minute. Indiana's Stephane Njike had a promising run down the left flank, but his cross was cleared by Maryland's defense.
The second half saw a marked increase in intensity, with Indiana pushing hard for an equalizer. Their efforts were rewarded in the 58th minute when Sadam Masereka slotted home Njike's precise through ball, drawing the Hoosiers level. However, Maryland responded just six minutes later when Heuer unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, restoring the Terrapins' lead.
Indiana refused to back down, and their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Njike converted a well-worked free kick, assisted by Ndrenika and Farouk Cisse, to level the score at 2-2. But Maryland had the final say, with Palmer Ault scoring his first goal of the season in the 80th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to seal the win for the Terrapins.
The statistical ledger reveals a closely contested match, with Maryland outshooting Indiana 17-15 overall and holding a marginal advantage in shots on target, 8-4. The Terrapins also edged the corner-kick battle 5-3, though neither team could capitalize on their set-piece opportunities until the dying moments of the game.
The victory extends Maryland's winning streak to four games, maintaining their perfect conference record and solidifying their position at the top of the standings. With a 10-0-3 overall record and a 6-0-2 mark in conference play, the Terrapins remain unbeaten in their last seven matches. Their next challenge comes against New Haven, a team looking to upset the Terrapins' momentum.
For Indiana, the loss snaps their four-match unbeaten streak but continues a concerning trend of defensive vulnerability. The Hoosiers have now conceded 10 goals in their last three matches, highlighting defensive frailties that must be addressed ahead of their next fixture against Northwestern. Indiana's attacking prowess, highlighted by Njike's brace, remains a positive note, but the team's defensive inconsistencies will be a major concern moving forward.
The afternoon ultimately belonged to Maryland's potent offense, with Costabile's early strike setting the tone for a thrilling encounter. As the Terrapins look to their next challenge, their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial in maintaining their unbeaten record.
Key Players:
Luca Costabile (Maryland) – Slotted home the opening goal with clinical precision, setting the tone for Maryland's victory.
Stephane Njike (Indiana) – Scored a crucial brace for the Hoosiers, showcasing his ability to create and finish scoring opportunities.
Charlie Heuer (Maryland) – Unleashed a powerful shot to restore Maryland's lead, demonstrating his threat in front of goal.
Palmer Ault (Maryland) – Sealed the win with a decisive goal in the 80th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to secure the three points for the Terrapins.