What began as six teams over the weekend has shrunk to four heading into Wednesday. The 2026 Big Ten Men's Soccer Tournament quarterfinals cleared the path for the semifinals, eliminating two squads and setting the stage for Wednesday's doubleheader.
Terps Top Spartans
The first matchup of the quarters went the way of No. 5 seed Maryland, which defeated fourth-seeded Michigan State 2-1 to move on. Albi Ndrenika drew first blood for the Terps in the 33rd minute before a red card left the Spartans shorthanded the rest of the way.
In the 51st minute, Marco Wright scored his first goal for Maryland to double the lead. While Mohamed Saad cut the lead in half in the 88th minute, it was too late. Maryland outshot Michigan State 12-9 throughout the day, and Laurin Mack recorded two saves.
Next Up: Top-Seeded Hoosiers
The Terrapins draw top-seeded Indiana in the semifinal round next (Wednesday, 6 p.m. ET on BTN). Indiana’s lineup is highlighted by Oliver Moller-Jensen, who was second in the conference with 12 goals and 29 points, alongside goalkeeper Michal Mroz, whose league-leading seven shutouts have anchored a back line allowing just 0.61 goals per match during the regular season. Maryland will aim to build on its 12-shot quarterfinal performance while limiting Moller-Jensen's chances in transition.
Scarlet Knights Secure Spot in Semis
The second quarterfinal matchup of the day went the way of No. 3 seed Rutgers, who defeated No. 6 seed UCLA 2-0. Behind Joshua Jerome’s and Matty Lynch’s second goals of the season — one in each half — the Scarlet Knights offense capitalized while Rafael Ponce De Leon had five saves on the other end, including two in the 82nd and 87th minutes.
The win means there will not be a repeat victor this season.
Next up: The Huskies
The Scarlet Knights just beat the defending tournament champion, and they will now face the defending national champion when they meet No. 2 seed Washington on Wednesday. The Huskies came in second place and boast the league’s top offense and the nation’s leading scorer in Zach Ramsey (18 goals). Ponce De Leon and the Rutgers defense just shut out a UCLA offense with three scorers that have five or more goals; the task gets tougher against Ramsey, who leads an attack that can score on any chance.
Only a few games remain. Everything you need to know right here.