WASHINGTON, DC — The No. 9 Terps scored their most goals against Virginia since 1975 and thrashed the Cavaliers 6-1 at Audi Field, coming out on top in the “Battle of the DMV” and the most storied rivalry in college soccer for the second year in a row.
The Terps struck first in the 21st minute after Colin Griffith forced his way inside the box and drew a hard penalty. With rain pouring down around him, Malcolm Johnston coolly stepped up to take the penalty kick and sent Virginia goalkeeper Holden Brown in the opposite direction of his shot.
Maryland added to its lead with the first half winding down as senior Justin Harris scored his second career goal.
The Terps added four more goals in the second, one each from Chris Rindov, Griffin Dillon Joshua Bolma and German Giammattei.
Bolma came off the bench and did not play in the first half due to a lingering injury, but made a massive impact in the second half, recording two assists and one goal.
Maryland moved to 2-1-1 this season.
Coach Sasho Cirovski‘s Takes
“Really, really proud of the team performance tonight. That was an inspired response to a disappointing performance on Friday. From the first whistle to the last whistle, I think our guys played with a tremendous amount of pride. Our defending was relentless, our attacking today was ruthless for the first time all year, and it was more like the kind of Maryland team that I think we should be.”
“We are not Maryland soccer without the respect that we have for Virginia and from, sort of, chasing them. The idea of iron sharpens iron has been true to our rivalry. I have so much respect for Virginia and I think our series over time reflects it. (It’s) certainly two of the Mount Rushmore programs in college soccer. This means a lot for our alumni and our fans, and, selfishly for me, it’s an important one because I came to Maryland chasing Virginia. Anytime we get a positive result it’s a source of pride… To come out tonight with a commanding victory is really sweet.”
Player’s Perspectives
“Coming off a disappointing loss last game, I think we had something to prove,” Johnston said. “The Battle of the DMV is one of the bigger games we always have marked on the calendar and, as you can see, I think we had a lot of energy and showed that we’re one of the top teams in the nation and have the ability to score…
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