COLLEGE PARK, Md – Missouri State men’s soccer took down No. 14 Maryland 1-0 in its season opener Thursday night thanks to an early goal from midfielder Jack Denton. The result mimics the only other time the Bears played the Terrapins, another one-goal victory in the first round of the 2020-21 NCAA Tournament.
“Every win is three points, they all count the same,” Missouri State head coach Michael Seabolt said. “Starting the season 1-0 is massive and we appreciate Maryland hosting us and giving us this opportunity. The guys took it and I’m super proud of them.”
The win marks Missouri State’s first victory against a Big Ten school since defeating Maryland in May 2021.
The teams got a feel for each other in the early stages of the first half. Maryland got the first shot off in the tenth minute, which goalkeeper Harry Townsend saved. Townsend started his season right where he left off his record-setting 2022 campaign by recording his first shutout of the season.
“Harry was fantastic with the ball and that limited their opportunities,” Seabolt said. “When he did have to make a play, he made a couple big plays. Harry did a great job playing off his line and did a great job not going for balls he couldn’t get to and playing the second ball on some balls in the box. He had a great, complete game.”
The first shot from Maryland was the only shot on goal the Terrapins managed against a stout Missouri State defense that kept the ball out of harm’s way.
“Our guys are just really good at possession and really great on the ball,” Seabolt said. “When we needed to transition and defend, the guys did a great job and didn’t give Maryland any good looks. Once we had a couple good opportunities, we missed a couple, but we finally broke through.”
The Bears took some time to get into an offensive rhythm, which finally occurred when forward Jon Koka attempted Missouri State’s first shot in the 23rd minute.
Koka was the hero in the tournament match against Maryland in the spring of 2021 by scoring two goals in the final four minutes to win, 2-1.
Missouri State kept the pressure up until it busted the Terrapin’s shell in the 31st minute when Denton, a Preseason All-MVC player, nailed the first Bear goal this season off an assist from freshman midfielder Tyler Caton making his college debut.
“I don’t even think of Tyler as a freshman,” Seabolt said. “Without you telling me that I wouldn’t know it. He’s a good player. He’s been here since January and he’s just a really solid impact player on our team.”
The Bears held on to take the lead into the locker room at halftime. Following the break Missouri State kept the pressure coming by taking two corner kicks in the first minute of the second half.
That pressure continued as five of the Bears’ six total shots went unanswered before the Terrapins got one final attempt off in the 78th minute. Midfielder Daniel Normann was inches away from likely sealing the deal 10 minutes into the second half, but his shot was deflected by Maryland goalkeeper Jaime Lowell deflected the shot to give defender William Kulvik enough time to clear it in front of the goal.
The Bears outshot the Terrapins by a 6-2 margin in the match and 3-1 in each half. However, the biggest factor comes in the Bears having five of their six shots on goal compared to just one out of two on goal for the Terrapins. MSU put Lowell to work, forcing him to make three saves on six shots faced.
Missouri State (1-0) handed Maryland (0-1) its first opening-day loss since the 2020-21 season when it lost to Penn State. The Terrapins won each of their last two opening games against Top-20 opponents. The Bears have gone unbeaten in its last six season-openers going back to 2018.
“Complements to Maryland,” Seabolt said. “They’re a fantastic program, a fantastic team. We know we’re a fantastic program and a fantastic team. When two great teams play, it’s always a great match. We’re going to focus on our success and what we need to accomplish next game. We get started tomorrow and get back to work.”
The Bears will continue their three-game road trip next Thursday (Aug. 31) when they take on the Kansas City Roos (0-1) at Durwood Soccer Stadium in Kansas City’s home opener. The Roos dropped their first game against Utah Valley, 4-0 earlier in the night and will face Bradley (1-0) on Sunday before taking on Mo State.
