Terps Tie Cavaliers In Rivalry Game, 1-1

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Maryland men’s soccer tied its former ACC rival, Virginia, 1-1, at Ludwig Field on Sept. 2. 

Sophomore midfielder Leon Koehl scored his first career goal off a penalty kick in the 41st minute, which Luca Costabile drew. It was Maryland’s (1-1-2) first penalty kick goal since scoring one in a 1-0 win against Old Dominion on Sept. 30, 2022.  

GOAL!!!!

Leon Koehl ties it from the spot! pic.twitter.com/KUreWINMS7

— Maryland Men’s Soccer 🐢 (@MarylandMSoccer) September 2, 2024

Maryland’s defense, led by Luca Costabile, Chris Steinleitner, William Kulvik and Alex Nitzl, created havoc for Virginia’s (2-1-1) attack. The Terps held the Cavaliers without a shot attempt for 31:32 minutes through the first and second halves. They also outshot Virginia 10-6. 

Freshman goalkeeper Laurin Mack finished the contest with three saves on six shots. 

Mack Attack!

What a save by Laurin pic.twitter.com/87cenuQn7N

— Maryland Men’s Soccer 🐢 (@MarylandMSoccer) September 2, 2024

Virginia’s lone goal occurred in the 35th minute on a penalty kick goal from Nick Dang. 

Cirovski’s Take

“I was very pleased with the way we played, I thought we maybe deserved a bit more from the game, but that was two proud teams battling and maybe a tie ends up being a fair result. We helped out our goalkeeper make two outstanding saves to keep us in the game. I was very pleased with the way we bounced back after the penalty to earn our own penalty.”

Koehl On His First Career Goal

“I mean I scored a couple of goals last spring from the penalty score and in the preseason, and I appreciate the trust of my teammates.”

The XI

Breaking Down The Action

• The Terps had back-to-back scoring chances in the 17th and 18th minutes, with Leon Koehl and Luca Costabile shooting from within the box that just ended up wide. 
• Colin Griffith came up with a nice look in the 21st minute, sending a shot to the bottom left side that was saved on a diving attempt from Virginia’s goalkeeper.
• In the 34th minute, Laurin Mack came up with a huge goal-saving play on a Virginia breakaway.
• Virginia scored in the 35th minute off a penalty kick to take a 1-0 advantage.
• Maryland tied the game in the 41st minute with a penalty kick goal by Leon Kohel.
• Virginia nearly took the lead in the 77th minute, but Mack made an athletic sliding…