Maryland will try to get back on the winning track tonight when Bucknell comes to town. Bucknell comes in with an impressive record of 12-4-0. UMD can tie for the most regular season wins (14) in the program's history by finishing the season with two wins. UMD is undefeated at home this season and should finish 14-4-0.
Good win for Maryland tonight against a team that packed it in and relied on the counter-attack. UMD's defense was having none of it though, and Bucknell never threatened. Goal was scored by UMD's Abe Thompson, not sure how he got it in there, it was from a tough, tough angle, after beating two players in the box, it looked like it hit the keeper, who must've deflected it in, and then a defender confirmed it by attempting a clear, but actually booting it even further into the net. It was clearly already over the line though, from where I was sitting. Thompson had a good game I thought, was UMD's most dangerous player and continually gave Bucknell's defense fits, by dribbling by players, slotting a few dangerous passes, with some great crosses, and shots although he needs to get more of his shots on goal however, IMHO. When Sumed Ibrahim was in, UMD's Hermann candidate, I thought he was dangerous as well, running at defenders and doing what he could to create chances. He challenged every head ball, and nearly scored several times on headers. However, not as dangerous as Thompson, and according to the program, not their best attacker, as Sandon stated before in another forum, it's Thompson. Sumed went down right at the end of the first half, not sure what the prognosis is, but I could see blood on his shirt, so that can't be good. Other than that, not much to tell. Bucknell packed it in and looked for a counter goal, Noah Palmer and the rest of the UMD defense, particularly Stammler and Goodson had everything sorted out, and Thompson scored the game-winner, game over. UMD 1-Bucknell 0.
Good reports I think the above game reports are pretty accurate and I don't have too much to add. Sumed came off just before halftime after a collison in the box and did not return. He had a bloody nose that wouldn't stop until 30 minutes after the game. He should be okay for Friday's game with Mt. St. Mary's though I'm certain Sash hopes the starters will have a short night. I thought UMD tried to complete and few passes tonight instead of wacking everything long. Hopefully this will be a continuing trend where we have a little build up in the attack. I thought AJ Herrera and Siba had very strong games off the bench and made statements for more playing time. Goodson and Stammler solved so many potential problems in the back when things break down elsewhere. The outside backs, Bertz and V-Tag had difficult games but again the two centerback erased every mistake for UMD. This is the first game of the year that we all saw the real Abe Thompson. He was very dominant running at goal and looking for his shot first and the pass second as a striker should. Hopefully these last couple of games can be used to sort out a few things that will improve the attack against the top teams in the country. GO TERPS!
As a Bucknell alum, I'm proud to see the Bison being able to hang with a team like Maryland. For a team like ours to have 12 wins is impressive enopugh, but to be able to go to Maryland and give it a go is just another notch in a very successful season to this point.
How did Pat Glennon do? Go Columbia HS! How is this very talented player doing after being injured last year?