Maryland men’s lacrosse opened the 2025 season with a statement victory, defeating No. 18 Richmond 12-7 at SECU Stadium. The Terps, known for their strong starts under head coach John Tillman, wasted no time setting the pace for what they hope will be another championship-contending season. Now, they turn their attention to an early road challenge against No. 10 Loyola.
Standout Performances Against Richmond
Maryland's ability to control tempo was evident from the opening faceoff, as they jumped out to a 7-0 halftime lead, effectively putting Richmond in a hole they couldn’t climb out of. Junior attackman Matt Keegan and senior Daniel Kelly led the offensive charge, each scoring three goals, showcasing a balanced attack. Graduate transfer Bryce Ford also made an impact in his debut, contributing two goals and proving to be a versatile offensive weapon for the Terps.
Keegan reflected on the team’s fast start, saying, “We wanted to come out and set the tone right away. Getting that early lead helped us settle in and play with confidence.”
On the defensive end, Logan McNaney was sharp between the pipes, making 14 saves, many of them in critical moments when Richmond attempted to shift momentum. Maryland’s defense, anchored by Colin Burlace and Will Schaller, remained disciplined, forcing Richmond into tough shots and turnovers all afternoon.
“It’s always about playing as a unit,” McNaney said. “When everyone’s on the same page, it makes my job easier. We communicated really well today.”
Despite a late surge from the Spiders, Maryland’s early dominance ensured their 32nd consecutive season-opening win—a testament to their ability to set the tone early in the year.
Coach Tillman credited the team’s preparation and leadership, stating, “A lot of credit goes to our upperclassmen for keeping everyone focused and locked in. We know how important these early games are and we’re going to face a lot of tough opponents, so we have to keep improving each week.”
What to Watch Against Loyola
The road test against No. 10 Loyola will be an important early barometer for Maryland’s potential this season. Loyola has a high-powered offense led by midfielder Evan James, and their ability to push the pace in transition will test Maryland’s defensive depth.
One key battle will be at the faceoff X, an area where Maryland’s dominance in previous years has given them an edge. If the Terps can control possessions early, much like they did against Richmond, they can dictate the game’s tempo and put pressure on Loyola’s defense.
“Possession is key in games like these,” Tillman noted, “especially against a team that can be really dangerous in transition.”
Defensively, expect McNaney to once again be a key factor in the cage, as he faces a Loyola attack that thrives on quick ball movement and efficiency. Maryland’s ability to communicate and adjust against Loyola’s offensive schemes will be critical. On the offensive end, the trio of Keegan, Kelly, and Ford will look to build on their strong performances
“We’re excited for the challenge,” Kelly said. “Loyola is a great team, and these early tests will only make us better.”
Main takeaway
Maryland’s win over Richmond provided early clarity on both strengths and areas for improvement. The defense held firm early, the offense executed efficiently, and the goaltending was reliable. However, Loyola presents a different level of challenge—one that could reveal just how ready this Maryland team is for the grind of the season.
“We have to keep getting better every day,” Tillman emphasized in his closing remarks. “If we stay focused on that, we’ll be where we want to be when it matters most.”
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