Sejdic’s penalty-kick goal gives Terps title
Maryland defense holds fifth straight foe scoreless
SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. — Senior captain Amar Sejdic scored on a penalty kick in the 57th minute and Maryland held off Akron, 1-0, on Sunday night to win its fourth NCAA men’s soccer title.
“Within us, we’ve been through it all,” Sejdic said after the game. “It means so much to me to wear the captain’s armband for this university. And it’s an honor for us to be able to lift up this trophy.”
Sejdic’s efforts earned him College Cup’s Most Outstanding Player honors.
Akron’s Colin Biros kicked Johaness Bergmann in the face pursuing the ball inside the 18-yard box, resulting in the penalty shot. Sejdic converted the opportunity with a well-struck shot to the right of Ben Lundt after the goalkeeper guessed wrong and dived to the left.
The goal came on Maryland’s first penalty kick during regulation play all season.
Dayne St. Clair made two saves in the victory as the Zips were able to muster only five second-half shots. Maryland didn’t allow a goal in in 450 minutes of tournament action covering five games.
“We’re brothers,” St. Clair said. “We’re so close. The relationship this team has is sensational, and I think that’s why we’re sitting here today.”
Maryland shared the 1968 title with Michigan State and won championships outright in 2005 and 2008.
Coach Sasho Cirovski won his third title at the school.
“I could not be more proud of this group,” he said. “We talked about this being a big moment for our program. They were pushed an hardened after a challenging schedule. And now, they’re jewels. I am incredibly happy for them.”
Maryland finished the season 13-6-4. Akron was 15-7-2.