Michigan State men's soccer senior forward Andrew Darakdjian (9) celebrates his goal with teammate junior defender Brandon Munson (5) during their game against Northwestern University at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 15, 2026.
Picked to finish 10th in the Big Ten preseason poll, No. 19 Michigan State men’s soccer is making a case for a much different rank in the conference conversation.
The Spartans took that case forward Friday night, defeating No. 7 Maryland 2-1. MSU secured its fourth Big Ten win of the season against one of the nation’s top-ranked teams, strengthening its position at No. 2 in the conference standings and adding a significant result to a season that has already defied expectations.
But the Spartans didn't get there by controlling every stretch of the game. They weathered Maryland’s early pressure, saw a first-half lead disappear and spent portions of the second half struggling to find their rhythm. But when the game demanded a response, MSU found one through senior forward Andrew Darakdjian.
Maryland wasted little time asserting itself on its home field. The Terrapins pressed forward early, testing the Spartan defense. They forced junior goalkeeper Jake Grekowicz to make multiple important saves to keep the game scoreless.
The Spartans worked their way into dangerous positions and the breakthrough came from a familiar source: a corner kick from senior forward Richie Ludwig.
Ludwig sent the ball into the box, a perfect set piece that led to a Maryland own goal. The deflection gave MSU a 1-0 advantage, rewarding the Spartans for the pressure they had built in the D-box. Ludwig now leads the Big Ten in total assists. This lead, though, did not survive until halftime.
Maryland found an opening on the right side a few minutes later and drove the ball into the upper-left corner of the net. Neither entered the break with an advantage after an opening half in which both sides had found ways to threaten.
The second half brought a different challenge for MSU. Passes went astray, possession became harder to sustain and Maryland began to dictate the pace. The Spartans had opportunities to respond, but the Terrapins looked increasingly comfortable pushing forward.
The Spartans regained their footing with a quick attacking sequence that began near midfield. Senior midfielder Miles Merritt played the ball forward to senior defender Will Eby on the right flank. Eby whipped a cross into the box where Darakdjian, falling backward, struck it with his right foot and buried the ball in the bottom corner to give MSU a 2-1 lead.
The Spartans created chances as the half wore on. Ludwig remained dangerous from corners, repeatedly delivering balls into threatening areas while MSU looked to capitalize on the spaces Maryland left behind in its search for another goal.
The final result carried significance beyond a single night in College Park. MSU has earned four conference wins only once since 2020. The Spartans have that many wins this year through just over half a season.
The Spartans will take that result with them as they come back home to East Lansing to play rival Michigan at 7 p.m. on October 13th.
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