Maryland men’s soccer captain Alex Nitzl, who had completed nearly five seasons with the Terps without scoring a goal, made history in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Long Island University (LIU). In a thrilling match at Ludwig Field, Nitzl found the net just five minutes into the game, setting the tone for a decisive 5-2 victory.
Nitzl capitalized on a blocked shot from teammate Colin Griffith, striking the ball with precision into the bottom left corner of the net. His teammates rushed to celebrate, marking a euphoric moment for a team that had struggled in recent weeks. “I told the team we couldn’t not come up with a victory when Alex Nitzl scored his first career goal,” said head coach Sasho Cirovski.
The early goal energized the Terps, who controlled the pace for much of the first half and created several opportunities to extend their lead. However, they missed key chances, including a shot from Griffith that sailed over the bar and a close attempt from center back William Kulvik.
With just over two minutes left in the half, LIU equalized through NEC Rookie of the Year Stephane Njike, who scored with a powerful half-volley after a chaotic sequence from a free kick. The teams entered halftime tied at 1-1.
Cirovski emphasized patience to his players during the break, urging them to maintain their belief. However, LIU struck again early in the second half, with Njike assisting Papa Sow for a tap-in goal, putting Maryland in a 2-1 deficit.
Despite facing adversity, the Terps rallied. The turning point came when Sadam Masereka was fouled inside the box, leading to a penalty kick. Leon Koehl, back in the lineup after injury, confidently converted the penalty, leveling the score at 2-2.
Just two minutes later, Maryland took the lead. After a cleared corner, Masereka unleashed a stunning volley from outside the box that soared into the top of the net. Masereka played a crucial role in the match, contributing directly to three of Maryland’s five goals. “He’s a special kid; his speed you just can’t learn,” Nitzl remarked.
The Terps continued to dominate, with Luca Costabile and Max Rogers adding two more goals. Costabile struck from distance, while Rogers executed a clever rabona flick right in front of the goal, sealing the 5-2 victory.
This win avenged Maryland’s previous first-round exit against LIU in the 2021 national tournament. “It had to happen this way,” Nitzl said. “We’ve been saying all year that it’s our revenge season.”
Three Key Takeaways:
Spectacular Goals: Three of Maryland’s five goals were standout strikes, showcasing the team’s ability to score from open play, particularly highlighted by Masereka and Costabile’s long-range efforts.
Koehl’s Crucial Return: Koehl’s return from injury proved vital. He converted a penalty for the seventh time this season, maintaining a perfect record, and his presence bolstered the midfield throughout the match.
Next Challenge: With this victory, Maryland advances to face No. 8-seed Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Sunday. Cirovski noted the challenge ahead, acknowledging Wake Forest’s recent success in the ACC Tournament. “We’ll have to be rested, recovered, and ready for a great challenge,” he said.
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