The Terps could not win consecutive matches.
Maryland women’s soccer went back to its old ways Thursday night. After notching two tallies on Sunday, the Terps could not build on the momentum and win their second consecutive conference match.
Maryland held in with Minnesota, but a goal late in the first half was the difference on Thursday. The Gophers got the best of the Terps, 1-0.
Minnesota held most of the possession in the early going. Liz Beardsley made her first save of the night on a Khyah Harper shot in the seventh minute. In the 10th minute, Harper had a lane in front of Beardsley but shanked a shot above the net.
Harper came into Thursday’s match with 16 goals in Minnesota’s 15 matches, and looked to add to that total early.
In the 14th minute, Maryland earned its first corner of the match. Emily Lenhard looked for a Hannah Schapiro header, but the attempt from Schapiro went out for a goal kick. At the 15th minute mark, Maryland built a set piece in the offensive zone, but the pass to Delaney DeMartino in the box was off-line.
In the 30th minute, a Minnesota corner was put in front, but a Caroline Birdsell foul on Tahirah Turnage-Morales bailed the Terps out.
Maryland had an eventful 37th and 38th minute, which resulted in two yellow cards issued to it. Halle Johnson was assessed a yellow card for pushing Harper by the head. Then, DeMartino had a chance — as Minnesota goalkeeper Sarah Martin fumbled the ball — but she was held off by Elizabeth Overberg. In a chaotic occurrence, Maryland’s coaching staff received a yellow card for persistent infringement.
Minnesota broke the ice in the final minute of the first half, though, as Ally Childers scored her first goal as a Gopher. A pass found Childers in front, who swiveled the Maryland defense and beat a diving Beardsley. Harper and Taylor Heimerl assisted with the goal.
Maryland didn’t record a shot in the first half, while Minnesota had six. The Gophers also had two shots on goal. Corners were 2-1 in favor of Minnesota and fouls were 5-2 in favor of Maryland.
In the 52nd minute, Kelsey Smith took Maryland’s first shot, but it was blocked by Overberg, who was a defensive force for the Gophers Thursday night.
In the 56th minute, Beardsley made a phenomenal kick save on Sophia Boman for her second save of the match.
Maryland received a corner in the 60th minute, and Lenhard’s boot was slapped away by Martin. Then, the Terps earned four consecutive throw-ins that resulted in nothing.
In the 64th minute, Kennedy Bell got Maryland’s first shot on goal in front, but Minnesota’s Sarah Martin made a kick save.
Beardsley made her third save of the match in the 68th minute on a far shot by Kalal that seemed like a dangerous chance, but it was handled by Maryland’s keeper. Childers took a low right shot in the 70th minute and forced a fourth Beardsley save.
In the 77th minute, Harper took a shot near the net that forced Beardsley to make an impressive diving save. Then, Harper had a chance for her 17th goal of the season in the 79th minute. The lane was there on the break, but the shot was pushed wide.
Minnesota outshot, 13-3, and outfouled, 11-6, Maryland in the match.
The Terps competed on Thursday night, but were unable to find an equalizer.
Three things to know
1. Same old Terps. After a massive performance last contest, Maryland couldn’t find the back of the net again on Thursday. The Terps had some chances against Minnesota, but were not incredibly opportunistic.
2. Beardsley came out to play. Beardsley made some impressive saves on Thursday night and kept the Terps well within reach. She made five saves and only conceded one goal.
3. Kept Harper goalless. Harper came into Thursday leading the nation with 16 goals. The Terps did not allow Harper to get her 17th score of the season, though, as their defense held strong.