COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Penn State men’s soccer team concluded the 2026 season on Wednesday evening with a 2-0 loss at the hands of No. 11 Maryland at Ludwig Field. Sophomore Justin Ross made a career-high seven saves in the match.
Penn State ends 2026 with a 3-9-3 record (0-7-3 B1G), while Maryland improved to 11-4-1 overall (5-4-1 B1G).
HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST HALF
The Terrapins wasted no time getting on the attack, taking three shots in the first five minutes of play. The home team finally broke the seal in just the seventh minute, collecting a poor restart from Ross and taking just two passes before punishing the young netminder.
Penn State responded with two different chances before the 10-minute mark, but neither shot got on frame.
As the half continued, PSU kept up the pressure and was able to swing the possession advantage in its favor, but struggled to get quality shots on frame, keeping the Nittany Lions off the boards.
In the 33rd minute, Ross came charging to the top of his box on a UMD transition breakaway to keep the Terrapin advantage at one as the half came to a close with little more opportunities.
SECOND HALF
The Terrapins opened the second frame with their foot on the gas. Just over ten minutes into the half, the home squad pushed its lead to two with an insurance score.
In the 74th minute, Maryland stopped a clear goal scoring opportunity for Penn State when the last UMD defender pulled senior Morgan Marshall to the ground. The card, initially presented as a yellow, was upgraded to red upon review, giving PSU the man-advantage.
Despite the extra body on the pitch, the Blue & White failed to find a tally, ending the 2026 season with a shutout loss.
OF NOTE
- Justin Ross made his second career start.
FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS
Visit GoPSUsports.com for more information on Penn State men’s soccer. Fans can keep up to date with the Nittany Lion men’s soccer team on X and Instagram @PennStateMSOC, in addition to the team’s Facebook page at /PennStateMensSoccer.