MATCH DAY IN COLLEGE PARK

September 7, 2026 | Ludwig Field, College Park, Maryland

Writing by Jack Hollida
Images by Tolu Oliwo

On a night that drew attention from across the country, an electric Maryland soccer derby took place at the home of the Terrapins in College Park. University of Maryland cut Georgetown’s unbeaten streak short with a 3-2 win at home in a game that everyone in attendance will have engraved in their mind for years to come.

The build up for the game was like no other with more than six thousand in attendance, including bleachers filled from end to end and a student section like no other. The dominant soccer program that is Maryland faced off against one of the most in form teams in college soccer Georgetown with Indonesian international Mitch Baker coming off a brace against 10th in the nation Oregon State. Georgetown kicked off to start the game, and Maryland piled on a few chances in the first five giving the Hoyas a taste of pressure they hadn’t experienced in recent matches.

However in the 15th minute Georgetown showed their quality off a cross from a set piece that Mitch Baker headed towards goal, but a save from Maryland keeper Laurin Mack isn't enough to stop the second finish from Tate Lampman. Georgetown led 1-0 early on and beside the silent Maryland student section the traveling Georgetown fans erupt in excitement as they and the players know just how important that goal is.

Georgetown were only able to hold their lead for a short time as just four minutes later Maryland midfielder Albi Ndrenika whipped an outstanding first-time curler from long range into the top corner to equalize. The noise from the student section was deafening as the stadium lights flicker on and off.

Shortly after the Terrapins grabbed their second following a free kick from Ljubomir Popovic that rattled the post and fell to Rodrigo Neri, who volleys the second opportunity to grab the lead for Maryland. The fans cheer even louder than before as Maryland takes the score to 2-1.

The first half ended with goals from both teams and a level of intensity that was expected from the start. Although filled with opportunities and aggressive back and forth possession, the second half was scoreless until the 80th minute when Said El Eyssami found himself in behind and struck a clean finish across goal to further the Terrapins lead. Eyssami jumps into the delighted student section as they reach their arms out to grab ahold of the goal scorer.

The fight was not over as just four minutes later; Eric Howard released a powerful low-driven shot far post to pull one back for Georgetown, leaving the score at 3-2. Although fighting until the last-minute Georgetown isn’t able to score the equalizer and the game finishes as is. A handful of the Maryland players run to the student section to celebrate a massive win with the fans.

A spectacle for all at home and in attendance to be remembered for years to come. Maryland looks on to their next game against unranked Northwestern and Georgetown facing off against 14th in the nation High Point.

A Field of Vision Story
Writing by Jack Hollida
Images by Tolu Oliwo
University of Maryland Men's Soccer vs Georgetown University
September 7, 2026
Ludwig Field, College Park, Maryland