Maryland men’s soccer ties with University of Virginia in tense rivalry match

Sophomore Leon Koehl notched three shots and one goal against former ACC rival Virginia on Monday night. (Source: University of Maryland Athletics)

COLLEGE PARK, MD - Maryland (1-1-2) came from behind to tie former Atlantic Coast Conference rival University of Virginia (2-1-2) 1-1 at Ludwig field Monday Night in what Maryland head coach Sacho Cirovski labeled a “fair” result.

Referee Sergio Gonzalez pointed to the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Maryland men’s soccer forward Max Riley tackled Virginia defender Paul Wiese in the penalty box. 

After video review, Virginia defender Nick Dang slotted the penalty into the bottom left corner, sending Maryland goalkeeper Laurin Mack the opposite way. 

Gonzalez pointed to the spot again just six minutes later, but this time in Maryland’s favor. Maryland midfielder Leon Koehl powered his shot just under Virginia goalkeeper Joey Batrouni for his first career goal. 

Maryland leads Virginia in the all-time series 43-31-11, but tonight’s result brings the recent series to an even 2-2-2 since renewing their rivalry in 2018. 

The Terps’ best chance in open play came in the 22nd minute when Maryland forward Colin Griffith received a pass just outside the 18-yard box and ripped the first shot on target of the game, forcing a diving save from Batrouni. 

Cirovski cited a lack of finishing as an area of improvement for the Terps. 

“I think we're getting better. We're not that far off. I think it's just a matter of getting that final pass or that final finish is lacking,” Cirovski said. 

The Cavaliers fought back. Receiving a through ball after intricate passing in the midfield, Virginia defender Reese Miller registered Virginia’s first shot on target in the 35th minute. 

The Terps started the second half on the front foot, pressuring the Virginia back line. Koehl credited the aggression to halftime instructions.

“I think our coaches told us we should be more focused on our actions and our technical execution, and I think we focus on that pretty well,” said Koehl. 

Maryland played much of the first 15 minutes of the second half in Virginia’s defensive territory, registering a flurry of half chances. The most notable chance was a volley by Costabile just outside the six-yard box that sailed high in the 56th minute. 

The game started to boil over in the second half after Costabile received a yellow card for a harsh challenge in the midfield.

Gonzalez headed over to review the video to assess whether it was a possible red card. 

Facing protest from Cirovski, Gonzalez said, “I don’t know what you want me to do,” but upheld the yellow card after review. 

Against the run of play, Virginia forward Hayes Wood found himself one-on-one with the keeper in the 78th minute. 

He tried to place his shot in the bottom right corner, but Mack made his most important save of the match. Costabile cleared the ball as a Virginia forward lurked for the rebound. 

Cirovski acknowledges the team is still not at full strength but remains hopeful for the rest of the season as players return.

“As we get a few more guys up and running, and hopefully we can, we can be blessed with some health,” Cirovski said. “I think we’ll be in a good place.”