COLLEGE PARK, MD. — The LIU men's soccer team's magical run came to a close in the opening round of the NCAA Soccer Tournament against Maryland on Thursday night.

LIU earned its spot in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season after defeating FDU to clinch back-to-back NEC titles, securing its place on the national stage against Big Ten powerhouse Maryland.

The Sharks fell 5-2 at Ludwig Field but did not go down without a fight.

Stephane Njike scored with two minutes remaining in the first half to tie the game at 1.

Papa Sow gave LIU a 2-1 lead just 2:04 into the second half after the senior found the back of the net to give the Sharks its only lead of the game. Njike and Niklas Thanhofer assisted Sow on the goal.

Maryland eventually tied the game on a penalty kick and followed up with a pair of goals to take a 4-2 lead by the 73rd minute.

LIU wraps up its season with eight regular-season wins, including four in NEC play.