Men's soccer team attempting to move past weekend loss

Friday's 5-3 loss at Clemson was difficult to take for the Terrapin men's soccer team, and not just because the team allowed three goals in an 83-second span in the second half.

That's because the team's next game, against Charlotte tonight, is more challenging than a typical midweek nonconference matchup. The 49ers (8-1-0) have won six in a row and are receiving votes in the NSCAA/adidas coaches' poll.

But rather than let Friday's events keep them down in the face of another stern test, the No. 4 Terps (7-3-0) said they are looking at tonight's game at Ludwig Field as an opportunity to reestablish themselves after losing two of three games.

"We're confident, and we're looking forward to getting back to our own type of game," midfielder Graham Zusi said. "We just have to believe in ourselves that we do have it in us."

The players and coaches had a nine-hour bus ride back to College Park and an entire weekend to reflect on the Clemson meltdown. Coach Sasho Cirovski said during that time he had a number of team and individual meetings to address the defensive breakdowns that allowed Tiger forward Michael Brooks to notch four goals and an assist.

"There was a lot of analysis, but it's evident how much the players care, and it's evident how hurt they were by the events of the last 15 minutes in particular," Cirovski said. "I would be surprised if that ever happens to us again."

Cirovski said there would probably be no major lineup changes, though he expected to go over a few possibilities with his coaching staff before tonight's game. Goalkeeper Zac MacMath, who replaced Will Swaim in net after Clemson's fourth goal Friday, typically starts in Tuesday night games, though Cirovski declined to name a starter.

The focus will be on how the defense reacts after its worst performance of the season. Though the team dominated possession in the midfield for the bulk of the first half and the start of the second, the defense was often late reacting to Clemson counterattacks, leaving too much space for the Tigers to operate.

In one case, two Terp defenders jumped to head the same ball in the air, allowing Clemson a man advantage on the attack. Zusi said the Terps need to make sure they focus on details and avoiding simple mistakes tonight.

"We didn't do the small things right in that game," Zusi said. "I think we took some things for granted and it came back to haunt us."

Charlotte, who will be playing their first game this season against a ranked opponent, has a capable offense featuring a forward tandem Cirovski said works better together than any the Terps have seen thus far.

Forward Chris Salvaggione has eight goals and five assists for the 49ers while forward Andres Cuero has four goals and three assists.

"Their relationship is really very special. That's what we've seen and heard, as well," Cirovski said. "I knew [Charlotte would] be good when I scheduled them, and they're having a great year. There's no question about it."

But instead of looking at tonight's game as a burden after a disappointing loss, the Terps want to use it to their advantage.

"I believe in our team," Cirovski said. "I think we've had a lot of time for self-reflection and team reflection, and I think it's a great opportunity to show how much we've grown."

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