Just one game separates No. 1 Maryland men’s soccer from its first unbeaten regular season since 2016. After navigating the trickiest five-game stretch in the country, the Terps control their own destiny for a Big Ten regular season title.
Despite facing four ranked opponents in five games, Maryland has found different ways to win. The Terps shut out then-No. 13 Rutgers, then-No. 13 Michigan and then-No. 14 Washington at Ludwig Field.
Advertisement
Maryland conceded two goals for just the third time all season against then-No. 14 Indiana — the previous two resulted in ties — but still collected all three points. A balanced attack combined with some strong late defense fueled the Terps to a 3-2 victory.
That’s what makes this year’s team so dangerous. Maryland has the second-best offense in the nation at 2.6 goals per game and has allowed just nine goals on the season, including eight shutouts. In one of the country’s best conferences, the Terps have avoided any hiccups.
But Maryland’s five-game winning streak will be put to the test against Michigan State, a team that has nothing to lose after getting eliminated from Big Ten tournament contention. The Terps travel to East Lansing, Michigan on Friday. The game starts at 8 p.m. and will stream on Big Ten Plus.
Michigan State Spartans (5-7-3, 2-4-3 Big Ten)
2024 record: 5-7-5, 4-4-2 Big Ten
Advertisement
Head coach Damon Rensing had big shoes to fill after longtime Michigan State coach Joe Baum retired in 2009. But Rensing exceeded all expectations early on his tenure, guiding the Spartans to eight NCAA Tournament appearances in his first 11 seasons. After leading the program to its first College Cup appearance in 50 years, it’s been all downhill since 2018.
Michigan State produced its third-lowest win total under Rensing last season. Despite posting just one victory during their nonconference slate, the Spartans found some life during Big Ten play. Four wins in their first six conference games — including a pair of ranked victories — quickly led to a late-season collapse. Still, Michigan State reached the Big Ten Tournament.
But with the conference tournament shrinking to just four teams going forward, the Spartans will miss the postseason for the first time in Rensing’s 17-year tenure. A 3-3 record during nonconference play gave Michigan State some optimism heading into the Big Ten. That has quickly dissipated, with the Spartans’ lone conference wins coming in upsets against top-5 teams.
Players to watch
Zac Kelly, redshirt senior goalkeeper, No. 30 — The 2024 Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year hasn’t had the same level of success during his final collegiate season. But the three-year starter has kept Michigan State afloat at times. With the third-most shutouts in the conference (5), Kelly has the capability to fuel the Spartans to an improbable upset victory.
Advertisement
Peter Soudan, freshman midfielder, No. 17 — Soudan has been one of the conference’s top young stars this season despite the Spartans’ struggles. He is tied for the second-most points in the conference of all freshmen (9), with three goals and three assists. After scoring the game-winner against then-No. 3 Indiana, Soudan was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
Richie Ludwig, junior forward, No. 10 — While Soudan leads Michigan State in points this season, Ludwig is the team’s top goalscorer. Despite scoring just four times over his first two seasons, he has matched that total this year. All four of his goals have come during conference play — tied for the fourth-most Big Ten scores during the 2025 campaign.
Strength
Preventing goals. The Spartans may only have a pair of conference victories, but their defense has given the team a chance for more. Michigan State has three shutouts during Big Ten play, including scoreless draws against Northwestern and UCLA. The Spartans have conceded the fourth-fewest goals in the conference at 11.
Advertisement
Weakness
Finding the back of the net. After netting seven goals in its first five Big Ten games, Michigan State’s offense has disappeared since. The Spartans were held off the scoresheet in four consecutive matches, which was recently snapped in their 1-1 tie against Rutgers. Maryland’s top-ranked defense in the Big Ten should present Michigan State with its toughest test.
Three things to watch
1. Second-half dominance. While the Terps’ offense has consistently created chances in the opening 45 minutes of games, they have only manufactured 10 first-half scores. But Maryland has been one of the best teams in the country throughout the second half, outscoring opponents by 19 goals.
Advertisement
2. Target on their backs. As one of two remaining unbeaten teams in the country — No. 2 Vermont is the other — the Terps will get every opponent’s best shot to hand them their first loss. Maryland is also the nation’s top-ranked team for the first time since the 2019 preseason poll, adding even more pressure to make a deep postseason run.
3. Big Ten title. The Terps could depart DeMartin Stadium with their first conference regular season title since 2022 — they also clinched on the road that year. Maryland needs one point on Friday to secure at least a share of the title. A win would see the Terps hoist the trophy regardless of Washington’s result against UCLA.
