Albi Ndrenika Delivers Senior Night Winner as No. 11 Maryland Men’s Soccer Shuts Out Ohio State 1-0

By Brian Hradsky

October 26, 2026

The No. 11 University of Maryland men’s soccer team celebrated Senior Night with a 1-0 victory over Ohio State on Saturday, October 24, at Ludwig Field in College Park. Senior midfielder Albi Ndrenika scored the game’s only goal in the 55th minute, while goalkeeper Laurin Mack delivered seven saves to preserve the shutout. Maryland controlled much of the attacking action, outshooting the Buckeyes 21-17 and placing 10 attempts on goal. The victory improved the Terrapins to 10-3-1 overall and 4-3-1 in Big Ten competition, while Ohio State fell to 6-6-2 overall and 1-6-1 in conference play.

Maryland Honors Seniors With Important Conference Victory

Maryland entered Saturday’s matchup looking to extend its winning streak and strengthen its position in the Big Ten standings. The Terrapins had defeated Rutgers and St. John’s in their previous two matches, establishing momentum during an important stretch of the regular season. Senior Night provided additional motivation as the program recognized its veteran players in front of the home crowd. Maryland responded with a disciplined performance that produced another shutout victory.

The matchup also represented an opportunity for the Terrapins to continue their strong home record. Maryland entered the contest having established Ludwig Field as one of its most reliable advantages during the 2026 season. The team had demonstrated an ability to generate offensive pressure and protect leads in College Park. Saturday’s victory improved Maryland to 7-1-1 at home.

Ohio State arrived seeking an important conference result after experiencing a difficult Big Ten schedule. The Buckeyes had demonstrated the ability to challenge opponents but struggled to consistently convert opportunities into victories. Maryland needed to avoid overlooking an opponent capable of creating dangerous scoring chances. The Terrapins ultimately relied on timely finishing and strong goalkeeping to secure the result.

Terrapins Apply Early Offensive Pressure

Maryland began the match aggressively, creating its first attacking opportunity during the opening minutes. The Terrapins attempted to establish possession in Ohio State’s half while forcing the Buckeyes to defend against multiple attacking options. Rodrigo Neri and Ndrenika were among the players involved in Maryland’s early offensive movement. However, Ohio State remained organized and prevented the Terrapins from producing an early goal.

Mack made his first save in the 10th minute, demonstrating that Ohio State could create opportunities despite Maryland’s offensive pressure. Ndrenika responded with a shot on goal in the 22nd minute, forcing Buckeyes goalkeeper Patrick McLaughlin into action. Henry Bernstein followed with another attempt on target in the 25th minute. The exchanges demonstrated that both teams were capable of generating scoring chances.

Maryland continued challenging McLaughlin throughout the opening half, but the Ohio State goalkeeper prevented the Terrapins from taking the lead. The Buckeyes also generated opportunities, forcing Mack to make another save during the 36th minute. Neither team could convert before halftime, leaving the contest scoreless. Maryland held an 8-5 advantage in first-half shots.

Ndrenika Breaks Through in 55th Minute

The decisive moment came at 54:00 when Ndrenika scored his third goal of the season to give Maryland a 1-0 advantage. Defender Lilian Fichelle provided the assist, setting up the senior midfielder for a powerful finish into the lower-left corner of the net. The goal rewarded Maryland’s sustained attacking pressure and gave the Terrapins their first lead. It also provided a memorable Senior Night moment for one of the team’s most experienced players.

Ndrenika had already challenged McLaughlin during the opening half and continued searching for opportunities after the break. His ability to find space and finish the chance demonstrated the importance of having experienced players capable of delivering in decisive moments. The goal was his first in more than a month and came during an important conference matchup. Maryland suddenly held the advantage with more than 35 minutes remaining.

Fichelle’s assist was his first of the season and demonstrated the importance of contributions from Maryland’s defensive players. The Terrapins have benefited from defenders capable of supporting the attack while maintaining their defensive responsibilities. Fichelle’s involvement helped create the scoring opportunity that ultimately decided the match. The combination of his setup and Ndrenika’s finish provided the difference.

Laurin Mack Delivers Seven-Save Shutout

Mack was another central figure in Maryland’s victory, recording seven saves across the full 90 minutes. The goalkeeper faced pressure from Ohio State throughout the match, particularly during the second half when the Buckeyes increased their attacking urgency. His positioning and reactions prevented several opportunities from becoming goals. The performance secured his 16th career shutout and 32nd career victory.

Mack made two saves during the opening half and added five after halftime. One important stop came in the 58th minute, shortly after Maryland had taken the lead. The save prevented Ohio State from producing an immediate response and helped the Terrapins maintain their momentum. Mack continued directing the defense as the Buckeyes searched for an equalizer.

The goalkeeper delivered another important save during the 75th minute before making his final stop in the closing seconds. That late intervention ensured Maryland would preserve its narrow advantage and complete the shutout. Mack’s performance demonstrated the value of experienced goalkeeping in closely contested conference matches. The Terrapins needed all seven saves to secure the victory.

Bernstein and Neri Generate Attacking Opportunities

Maryland received important offensive contributions beyond Ndrenika’s winning goal. Bernstein led the Terrapins with six shots, including three on target, repeatedly challenging Ohio State’s defensive organization. His activity helped Maryland maintain pressure and create opportunities throughout the match. Although Bernstein did not score, his performance contributed to the team’s attacking advantage.

Neri added four shots, including two on goal, continuing his productive season as Maryland’s leading scorer. The forward had scored his seventh goal of the year during Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over St. John’s. Against Ohio State, he generated multiple second-half opportunities but could not beat McLaughlin. His movement nevertheless helped create space for other Maryland attackers.

Dominic Ayella contributed three shots, while Rocket Ritarita provided two attempts on target off the bench. Ndrenika finished with three shots, all on goal, including the decisive finish. The balanced attacking production helped Maryland generate 21 total shots and 10 attempts on target. The Terrapins demonstrated their ability to create opportunities from several positions.

Ohio State Challenges Maryland Throughout Second Half

Although Maryland controlled much of the attacking action, Ohio State remained dangerous throughout the contest. The Buckeyes generated 12 second-half shots after recording five during the opening period. Their increased pressure forced Maryland to maintain its defensive organization while protecting a narrow lead. The Terrapins could not afford another mistake after taking the advantage.

Ohio State received attacking contributions from several players, including Ryan Hannosh, Joel Demian and Nick Skubis. Hannosh finished with three shots, while Demian placed both of his attempts on target. Skubis contributed two shots, including one on goal, helping the Buckeyes challenge Maryland’s defensive unit. However, Mack prevented every shot on target from reaching the net.

McLaughlin also delivered an impressive performance for Ohio State, recording nine saves. The goalkeeper repeatedly denied Maryland’s attacking opportunities and prevented the Terrapins from establishing a larger advantage. His performance kept the Buckeyes within one goal throughout the closing stages. However, Ohio State could not produce the equalizer necessary to earn a point.

Maryland Wins Statistical Battle

The Terrapins finished with a 21-17 advantage in total shots and a 10-7 edge in shots on goal. Maryland also earned five corner kicks compared with four for Ohio State, reflecting its ability to create attacking opportunities. The Buckeyes committed eight fouls, while the Terrapins were whistled for 11. Both teams demonstrated physicality during a competitive Big Ten matchup.

Maryland’s offensive production was particularly encouraging because the team generated 13 shots during the second half. The Terrapins continued attacking after taking the lead rather than relying exclusively on defensive protection. However, Ohio State also increased its pressure and forced Mack into several important saves. The match remained competitive until the final whistle.

The difference ultimately came through Ndrenika’s finishing and Mack’s goalkeeping. Maryland converted one of its 10 shots on target, while Ohio State failed to score on seven attempts. Both goalkeepers performed effectively, but the Terrapins received the decisive offensive contribution. The result demonstrated how individual execution can determine closely contested conference matches.

Third Consecutive Victory Builds Momentum

Saturday’s victory extended Maryland’s winning streak to three matches following victories over Rutgers and St. John’s. The Terrapins have demonstrated improved defensive consistency during the stretch, recording consecutive shutouts against St. John’s and Ohio State. Their ability to protect narrow leads has become an important part of their recent success. The results provide momentum as the regular season approaches its conclusion.

Maryland’s 10-3-1 overall record reflects a strong campaign against a demanding schedule. The Terrapins have faced several nationally competitive opponents while continuing to develop their attacking combinations. Their 4-3-1 Big Ten record provides an opportunity to strengthen their conference position. Continued success will depend on maintaining the balance between offensive production and defensive organization.

The victory also improved Maryland’s all-time record against Ohio State to 11-4. The Terrapins have established a successful history against the Buckeyes, and Saturday’s result continued that trend. Winning on Senior Night added another memorable chapter to the series. Maryland will now attempt to carry its momentum into a challenging road matchup.

Terrapins Prepare for No. 7 Washington

Maryland will travel to Seattle on Friday, October 30, to face No. 7 Washington in a nationally ranked Big Ten matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern, with television coverage on Big Ten Network. The contest provides an important opportunity for the Terrapins to strengthen their postseason résumé against another nationally competitive opponent. Maryland will enter the matchup seeking its fourth consecutive victory.

Washington presents a difficult challenge because of its strong overall performance and competitive conference schedule. The Huskies have demonstrated the ability to challenge nationally ranked opponents and will benefit from playing at home. Maryland must maintain its defensive discipline while continuing to generate offensive opportunities. Mack’s goalkeeping and the team’s attacking depth will be important factors.

The Terrapins will also look for continued contributions from Ndrenika, Neri and Bernstein. Maryland has demonstrated that multiple players can generate scoring opportunities, making the offense more difficult to defend. However, converting those chances will be important against a strong Washington team. Friday’s matchup provides another opportunity to demonstrate the program’s postseason potential.

MSB Take

Maryland’s 1-0 victory over Ohio State was an encouraging performance because the Terrapins demonstrated the ability to control offensive stretches while remaining organized defensively. Ndrenika delivered the decisive moment on Senior Night, scoring his third goal of the season and providing a memorable contribution during an important conference matchup. His finish demonstrated the value of having experienced players capable of delivering under pressure. Fichelle also deserves recognition for providing the assist that created the winning opportunity.

Mack was equally important, recording seven saves and securing his 16th career shutout. Ohio State generated 17 shots and placed seven on target, forcing the Maryland goalkeeper to remain focused throughout the contest. His late save ensured the Terrapins would protect their narrow advantage. Maryland’s defensive consistency has become an important part of its recent winning streak.

The biggest area for improvement remains finishing scoring opportunities. Maryland generated 21 shots and placed 10 on goal but converted only once, leaving Ohio State within striking distance throughout the contest. Stronger finishing would help reduce pressure on the defense against nationally ranked opponents. Nevertheless, the Terrapins are building momentum at an important time, and their upcoming matchup against No. 7 Washington will provide a valuable test of their postseason readiness.