COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND — Washington pulled off a stunning upset over fourth-ranked Maryland on Saturday, winning 3-1 in front of 4,054 fans at Ludwig Field. The Huskies, riding a four-game winning streak, dominated the second half to dismantle the top-seeded Terrapins in an NCAA Tournament matchup that saw the visitors control play for long stretches despite Maryland's higher ranking.
Henry Bernstein gave Maryland an early lead in the 19th minute, but Washington responded with three unanswered goals to seize control. Osato Enabulele equalized in the 38th minute, then Charlie Kosakoff put the Huskies ahead in the 55th minute. Alex Hall sealed the victory with a goal in the 69th minute, leaving Maryland no time to mount a comeback. Laurin Mack made seven saves in goal for the Terrapins, while Washington's goalkeeper recorded two stops.
The first half belonged to Maryland early on. The Terrapins pressed aggressively and created chances through Sadam Masereka and Leon Koehl, who tested Washington's defense with several dangerous looks. Bernstein's breakthrough came when he capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, giving the home side what looked like a commanding position heading into the break. Washington, however, showed resilience and began finding its rhythm as the half progressed, with Joe Dale testing Maryland's backline before being substituted out late in the period.
Everything changed after halftime. Washington came out with renewed intensity and purpose, immediately putting pressure on Maryland's defense. The Huskies' attacking movement became sharper, and their midfield controlled possession for extended stretches. Enabulele's equalizer came from close range, breathing life into the visitors and shifting momentum decisively in their favor. From that point forward, Maryland struggled to regain its footing as Washington's relentless pressing forced errors and created space in transition.
Kosakoff's go-ahead goal in the 55th minute came after sustained pressure, and Hall's insurance goal fourteen minutes later essentially ended any hope of a Maryland comeback. The Terrapins made multiple substitutions trying to spark a response, including bringing fresh legs into the midfield and attack, but Washington's defense remained organized and disciplined. Kevin Hernandez and Connor Lofy worked tirelessly in midfield to disrupt Maryland's rhythm, while the back line limited the home side's dangerous opportunities in the final third.
Washington's attacking prowess was on full display throughout the second half, with the team generating ten shots on goal compared to Maryland's three. The Huskies' ability to transition quickly and exploit space proved too much for a Terrapins side that appeared fatigued and out of sync. Richie Aman provided crucial defensive contributions while also assisting on multiple attacking moves, showcasing the kind of two-way play that defined Washington's performance.
Maryland's frustration mounted as the match wore on, with yellow cards accumulating for Washington as the Huskies became more physical in defending their advantage. The Terrapins earned nine corner kicks to Washington's six but couldn't convert any into meaningful chances. Lasse Kelp and Chris Steinleitner worked hard in Maryland's midfield, but they couldn't generate the kind of cohesive attacking play that had carried the team through the tournament.
The victory showcases Washington's attacking depth and resilience under pressure, with the Huskies demonstrating they can compete with elite opponents on the road. Enabulele, Kosakoff, and Hall's combined finishing proved clinical when it mattered most, while the team's defensive intensity in the second half suffocated Maryland's creative options. Washington now advances to the College Cup semifinals in Cary, North Carolina, where they'll face No. 16 Furman on Friday, December 12. The other semifinal pits Saint Louis against No. 15 NC State. After dispatching a fourth-ranked opponent with such authority, the Huskies have announced themselves as legitimate title contenders heading into the final weekend.