The Maryland Terrapins women’s soccer team has been shutout in three straight contests and has only scored one goal in their last 360 minutes of play.
Now, their efforts to regain their offensive rhythm will be tested against No. 13 Penn State, who has not allowed a goal in their last three contests.
After falling to No. 12 Ohio State on Thursday by a score of 2-0, the Terps tough Big Ten schedule continues on Sunday as another ranked opponent travels to College Park. It has not been easy sledding for Maryland since entering conference play. A 1-6-1 record and the fact that they have been outscored 18-4 has the Terps reeling in the wrong direction.
The reason for the struggles are on both sides of the ball. A stagnant offense has made it a challenge for Maryland to put pressure on their opponents. The loss of leading goal scorers Mikayla Dayes and Chelsea Jackson has forced younger players to take more prominent roles on offense, which has led to some growing pains for the Terps.
Defensively, the Terps’ performance since entering Big Ten play is a complete 180 from what it was at the season’s start. Maryland went the first seven games without allowing multiple goals, but have allowed two or more scores in seven of their last eight contests. Junior goalie Rachel Egyed and the rest of the defense have struggled with shutting down opponents early, forcing the Terps to constantly play from behind.
As for Penn State, their Big Ten season is going swimmingly. The Nittany Lions have a conference record of 5-2-1 and are one of the top teams in the nation.
The strong defense that has not allowed a goal in three games is led by redshirt junior goalie Rose Chandler who has a save percentage of .780 on the season.
Penn State also has many scorers who can spark the offense, but senior forward Megan Schafer leads the way with five goals.
The game will take place at Ludwig Field at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
- Maryland volleyball swept by Indiana in second game of weekend homestand - October 7, 2023
- No. 8 Maryland field hockey falls to No. 6 Rutgers in penalty shootout, 3-2 - September 28, 2023
- Maryland women’s soccer stymied by No. 6 Penn State, 4-0 - September 15, 2023
