Virginia Defeated by No. 9 Maryland at Audi Field

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Virginia men’s soccer team (2-2-0) faced off with No. 9 Maryland (2-1-1) in Washington D.C. falling to the Terps by a score of 6-1 at Audi Field on Monday night (Sept. 5).

Goals (Assists)

21’ – Maryland: Malcolm Johnson (Penalty)
42’ – Maryland: Justin Harris (German Giammattei, Alex Nitzl)
60’ – Maryland: Chris Rindov (Joshua Bolma, Malcolm Johnston)
65’ – Maryland: Griffin Dillon (Joshua Bolma, Colin Griffith)
76’ – Maryland: Joshua Bolma (Nick Richardson)
81’ – Virginia: Daniel Mangarov (Albin Gashi)
83’ – Maryland: German Giammattei (unassisted)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Virginia spent the majority of the early goings absorbing Maryland pressure in its own end. In the 21^st minute, the Cavaliers conceded a penalty kick that was slotted home by Malcolm Johnston.

Following the opening goal, Virginia responded in the attacking third. With 24 minutes gone, the Cavaliers displayed a strong piece of build-up play resulting in an attempt at goal from Axel Ahlander. Virginia earned four consecutive corners in Maryland’s end while creating dangerous chances in front of the goal.

Though the Cavaliers looked the more likely to score, Maryland won back possession and with the assist of an incisive ball from German Giammattei, Justin Harris tapped home Maryland’s second to double the Terrapin lead at the break.

The Cavaliers began the second half on the front foot as halftime substitution, Isaiah Byrd, took a chance from inside the box, but just missed his opportunity to half the Maryland lead as his shot sailed wide of the left corner.

Virginia’s best chance to get back into the game came in the 54^th minute when Leo Afonoso was brought down in the penalty area. The Cavalier striker stepped up to the spot to take the kick himself but was denied by the Maryland goalkeeper.

Maryland would go on to score the next three goals of the match to all but seal the game. Daniel Mangarov pulled one back for Virginia in the 81^st minute, but the Terrapins added another just two minutes later.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Daniel Mangarov’s goal was his second of the season
• Albin Gashi notched his first collegiate assist
• Virginia was outshot by a margin of 15-14
• The Cavaliers placed nine of their 15 shots on target
• The Cavaliers took seven corner kicks compared to Maryland’s five
• Virginia conceded a goal as a result of a penalty for the first time since the 2019 season
• The Cavaliers fall to a record of 30-44-10 against Maryland all-time
• Leo Afonso took five shots
• The match marks the first time the Cavaliers have conceded six goals in a single contest since the 2016 season when Virginia fell to Louisville by an identical final score

FROM HEAD COACH GEORGE GELNOVATCH 

“We ran into a good team that has just come off of two poor results at home. They played with an intensity that caught us today. We’ll learn from it and be ready to open ACC play on Friday”

Up Next:

The Cavaliers will return to Klöckner Stadium on Friday (Sept. 9) where they will open ACC play with Virginia Tech in the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash.