COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND — #4 Maryland overwhelmed #13 UConn 3-0 on Saturday in front of 3,043 fans, advancing deeper into the NCAA Tournament with a commanding performance that left the visiting Huskies searching for answers. The Terrapins controlled possession and created dangerous chances throughout, converting three goals to secure their second consecutive victory after a heartbreaking overtime loss to North Carolina earlier in the week.
Maryland struck first in the 26th minute when Albi Ndrenika finished from close range, assisted by Rocket Ritarita's service. The goal came after sustained pressure from the home side, who had been testing UConn goalkeeper Kyle Durham with multiple attempts. Ritarita doubled the lead just over 11 minutes later with a composed finish from the right side, giving Maryland a commanding 2-0 advantage heading into halftime and effectively putting the match out of reach.
The first half belonged almost entirely to the Terrapins, who dominated the midfield and forced UConn into a defensive shell. Maryland's attacking players—particularly Ritarita and Ndrenika—constantly found space in dangerous areas, while the Huskies struggled to generate any meaningful offensive rhythm. UConn managed just three shots on goal for the entire match, a stark contrast to Maryland's eight, as the visitors found themselves constantly chasing the ball and reorganizing their defense.
UConn's second-half adjustments did little to change the trajectory. The Huskies made several substitutions at the break, bringing in fresh legs with Sabri Hanni and others, but Maryland's defense remained resolute. Kyle Durham made five saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but his counterparts on the other end—Laurin Mack—needed only three saves, a reflection of the lopsided nature of play.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 63rd minute when Austin Brummett received a red card for violent conduct, leaving UConn to finish with 10 men. That numerical disadvantage made Maryland's task even easier in the final stretch. Luke Van Heukelum put the exclamation point on the victory in the 88th minute, finishing from close range after a well-worked sequence involving Sadam Masereka and Chris Steinleitner.
Maryland's attacking depth was on full display throughout the 90 minutes. Beyond the three goal scorers, players like Farouk Cisse and others consistently created problems for UConn's backline. The Terrapins also won the battle in the midfield, controlling possession and dictating the pace of play. UConn's five yellow cards compared to Maryland's two told another story—the Huskies were often forced into desperate defending.
For UConn, the loss represents a disappointing end to what had been a solid tournament run. The Huskies had earned their 13th seed and entered Saturday's match riding a 3-1 victory over Cornell from earlier in the week. But against a superior opponent playing at home, they simply couldn't match Maryland's intensity or execution. The defensive lapses, particularly early in the match, proved costly against a team with Maryland's finishing ability.
Maryland's performance showcased the attacking prowess and defensive organization that has made them a national championship contender. With this dominant victory, the Terrapins demonstrated they can control matches against ranked opponents and convert their chances with clinical efficiency. The combination of Ritarita's creativity, Ndrenika's positioning, and the supporting cast's contributions created a complete performance that will serve them well as the tournament progresses. Maryland awaits the winner of Stanford and Washington who play 11/30.