Darakdjian Game Winner Helps No. 19 MSU Takedown No. 7 Maryland

Friday, October 9

College Park, Md.

7:30 PM

Michigan State University

8-2-1, 4-1-0

No. 7 Maryland

7-3-1, 2-3-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Michigan St.	1	1	2
Maryland	1	0	1

Darakdjian Game Winner Helps No. 19 MSU Takedown No. 7 Maryland

10/9/2026 11:25:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score MSU 2, UMD 1 MSU Statistics

The Spartans earn their first win over Maryland since 2018.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- No 19 Michigan State earned a huge conference victory with a 2-1 win over No. 7 Maryland Friday night at Ludwig Field. Senior forward Andrew Darakdjian provided the game-winning goal in the 67th minute.

"It was a great team win. I am happy for the seniors. They haven't had a chance to knock off Maryland in their careers," MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. "More importantly it was a hostile environment. For us to go on the road and get a well deserved 2-1 win is huge for the program. "

With the win, the Spartans improve to 8-2-1 overall and 4-1-0 in Big Ten play. This is the best start to league play for Michigan State since 2018. Maryland falls to 7-3-1 overall and 2-3-1 in conference action. This is Michigan State's first win against Maryland since a 2-0 win in 2018. It was also the Spartans' first victory in College Park since a, 1-0, win in 2014.

After the Terps, held possession early on. Michigan State began to take control on the offensive end. The Spartans had the first shot on goal in the fifth minute when reigning Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Laurin Mack made a diving save on a Miles Merritt blast.

In the 18th minute, Michigan State struck first, taking advantage of an own goal. The play started on a corner kick off the foot of senior forward Richie Ludwig. The cross bounced off the back of a Maryland defender to put the Spartans on top 1-0.

Maryland fought back to find the equalizer in the 35th minute. Said El Eyssami's firecracker got past MSU goalkeeper Jake Grekowicz. Albi Ndrenika and Dennis Kalanzi earned assists on the play.

The half ended with the teams tied 1-1, despite the Spartans have the edge in shots, 9-5.

In the second half, Michigan State's first shot on goal came from freshman midfielder Drew Rensing.

Michigan State pulled in front in the 67th minute with an amazing goal from senior forward Andrew Darakdjian. The play started up the right side of the pitch with Merritt and senior defender Will Eby. Darakdjian re-directed the ball and slipped it past Mack for the game winner. The goal was his team-leading fifth of the season.

"We talked about having a killer instinct in front of the goal," MSU head coach Damon Rensing said. "I thought the first 20 minutes of Maryland was very similar to the first 20 minutes of UCLA, but we rewarded ourselves with a goal. We really tested their goalkeeper. I just thought this was a total team effort and created more depth for our program."

The Spartans ended the game out-shooting the Terrapins, 16-11. MSU also led in corner kicks 10-6. Grekowicz was great in goal, making a season-high five saves.

MSU returns home for the Battle of the Big Bear against Michigan on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

Michigan State Soccer Ticket Membership are available for $100 for adults & $50 for youth/senior. Season tickets are on sale now online through the Spartan Ticket Office here or by calling 517-355-1610.

To purchase tickets for any Michigan State athletics event, visit the Spartan Ticket Office online at MSUSpartans.com; fans can also call the Spartan Ticket Office at 517-355-1610, or email tickets@msu.edu for questions or more information, or fans can visit the MSU Ticket Office in person, located in 1855 Place.