No. 18 Maryland men’s soccer doesn’t have many road trips this season — just six on the schedule outside of the cancelled Wake Forest game. Day trips to then-No. 25 Georgetown and Penn State don’t really present the same travel fatigue as the rest.
But with UCLA, Oregon, Washington and USC joining the Big Ten last season, those road games present a whole added layer of challenges. Though USC and Oregon don’t field men’s soccer programs, Maryland will still have to make the trip out west once this year.
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To navigate the switching of time zones and a full day of travel, most teams elect to travel two days before the game. With just one game on the West Coast this time, the Terps have opted to travel on Thursday for Friday’s contest.
This may seem like it could hinder Maryland’s performance against UCLA. However, it has already been dealt a slew of obstacles this season and come out practically unscathed. Not even a pair of injuries, illnesses or Stephane Njike’s red card against Penn State can stop the Terps’ momentum. They are unbeaten through eight games for the first time since 2017.
In a crowded Big Ten race that features seven teams all within a point of second place, every game will be crucial for Maryland’s conference title aspirations. The Terps need to avoid a slip-up on Friday against UCLA. That game begins at 8 p.m. EST and can be streamed on Big Ten Network.
UCLA Bruins (2-5-2, 2-2-0 Big Ten)
2024 Record: (7-6-6, 3-4-3 Big Ten)
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When head coach Ryan Jorden took over UCLA in 2019, expectations were sky high. The Bruins had produced double-digit win totals in 10 of their last 11 seasons and were poised to take the next step. While Jorden has yet to guide UCLA past the NCAA Tournament third round, he has delivered four straight tournament appearances.
Despite finishing with their lowest win total in four seasons, the Bruins found their way into the postseason last year. Once ranked as high as No. 6 in the United Soccer Coaches poll, UCLA took a tumble once Big Ten play hit. The Bruins failed to record a win in four consecutive games, but turned it around once the conference tournament hit. UCLA was ousted by UC Santa Barbara in the NCAA Tournament opening round.
The Bruins’ slow decline has persisted this season, taking a hit on their postseason aspirations. UCLA went winless in its five-game nonconference slate and is off to one of its worst starts under Jorden. After wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin to start off Big Ten play, then-No. 3 Indiana and Ohio State provided the Bruins with a reality check.
Players to watch
Sergi Solans Ormo, redshirt sophomore forward, No. 9 — Solans Ormo was one of a handful of 2025 MLS SuperDraft selections that chose to return to college soccer this past season. While UCLA is off to a poor start, he has boosted his stock with strong performances. The Oregon State transfer has a team-high three goals and dished out two assists.
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Tarun Karumanchi, senior midfielder, No. 6 — An irreplaceable part of the Bruins’ midfield quartet, Karumanchi does all the little things that don’t show up in the stat sheet. The hometown product has thrived in his defensive midfield role, making critical challenges time-and-time again. Karumanchi is the only UCLA player to be on the pitch for every minute this season.
Allan Legaspi, sophomore defender, No. 15 — Top Drawer Soccer’s No. 34-ranked defender in the class of 2024 has quickly risen to stardom after a stellar freshman campaign. Legaspi totalled 13 starts in the heart of UCLA’s backline last season, fueling his Big Ten All-Freshman team selection. The young defender was the lone returner from last year’s backline, and he has been vital through nine games.
Strength
Defensive solidity. Outside of a four-goal letdown against Indiana, the Bruins’ backline has done wonders to keep the team in games. UCLA has conceded nine goals in its other eight games and has been within two goals in every game this season. The Bruins held No. 24 Kentucky scoreless earlier this season, so they have the recipe to pull off an improbable upset.
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Weakness
Creating chances. UCLA took a massive hit over the offseason with the departure of several of its key facilitators from last year’s roster. It’s shown through nine games. The Bruins rank towards the bottom of the Big Ten in goals scored (9), shots (91) and shots on target (40). While UCLA has been shutout three times this season, it’s scored six goals over the past three games.
Three things to watch
1. Rivalry renewed. Despite being in different conferences for most of their existence, Maryland and UCLA have always fought over top recruits. The two historic programs have each won four national championships — tied for the fourth-most in the country. These matchups continuously deliver a thrilling 90 minutes of action.
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2. Revenge season tested. As part of the Terps’ late-season collapse in 2024, UCLA dealt Maryland a 6-0 blowout defeat in the Big Ten Tournament. This year’s squad has vowed to make amends for a disappointing postseason result. Maryland will take a step towards that goal with a win over UCLA on Friday, but it will not be an easy result. The Terps haven’t beaten UCLA in eight years and have one road victory all-time — that came back in 2008.
3. Quest for nine. While three of Maryland’s first four Big Ten games are on the road, the Terps have snatched results away from College Park. Sitting in second place in the conference with seven points, Maryland hopes to remain the last unbeaten team in the Big Ten. A victory on Friday would make it nine straight games without a loss.
