Beardsley’s heroics help Maryland women’s soccer hold Northwestern to scoreless draw

Photo courtesy of Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

EVANSTON, IL – The Maryland women’s soccer team (3-5-4) fought to a 0-0 draw against Northwestern (5-5-2), with goalkeeper Liz Beardsley’s eight save performance anchoring the Terrapins defense. The match was a testament to the Terrapins’ resilience as they stifled Northwestern’s relentless attacks to secure a hard-earned point on the road. 

From the opening whistle, it was clear that Northwestern intended to dominate possession and keep Maryland on its heels. The Wildcats controlled much of the first half, using their speed and ball movement to create several offensive opportunities. Northwestern quickly set the tone in the first minute with a throw-in and kept the pressure up with consistent advances into Maryland’s defensive third. 

Despite this, the Terps’ backline, anchored by freshman Taryn Raibon and senior Katie Coyle, held firm in the early exchanges. 

Northwestern dominated possession in the early stages with 10 shots — five of which were on target — but could not convert, thanks to Beardsley. Maryland struggled to generate offensive chances, yet remained strong defensively, clearing several corner kicks and limiting Northwestern’s offense. 

Northwestern’s first real scoring opportunity came just four minutes into the match when Megan Norkett’s shot was blocked, leading to the first of several corner kicks. The Wildcats’ aggressive approach paid off in terms of possession, but Maryland’s defensive discipline prevented any breakthroughs. 

In the 14th minute, Kennedy Roesch fired a low shot that seemed destined for the bottom left corner of the net, but Beardsley reacted quickly, diving to make a key save and keep the score level. This set the tone for Beardsley’s performance throughout the match, as she consistently prevented Northwestern’s attacking efforts. 

Maryland struggled to generate much offensively during the first half. The Terps were often forced to play deep into their own half, limiting their ability to push forward in transition. Throw-ins and goal-kicks offered brief breaks, but Maryland could not capitalize on its offensive pressure. 

The Terps didn’t manage any shots in the first 45 minutes, a sign of how much control Northwestern exerted over the game. Kelsey Smith and Eva Mowery were active in trying to create chances, but Northwestern’s defense, led by Maddie Finnerty, neutralized their efforts. 

The Wildcats continued to press in the second half, clearly looking for a breakthrough. In the 47th minute, Caterina Regazzoni shot toward the top left of the net, but Beardsley was once again up to the challenge, making a save. Just moments later, Northwestern earned another corner kick leading to another goal attempt by Josie Aulicino. 

While Maryland’s defense held firm, the offensive struggles persisted. The Terps had a hopeful moment when they earned a corner kick in the 57th minute. However, the attack was short-lived, with Northwestern quickly regaining control of the match. By the 59th minute, Kennedy Roesch had another shot for Northwestern, but it missed the target. 

A key moment came in the 67th minute when Maryland sophomore Lisa McIntyre found open space and fired a shot, but it sailed off target. Northwestern responded by continuing to press high up the field. Josie Ailicino again tested Beardsley with a well-placed shot into in the bottom left corner, but Beardsley was up for the task, making another save. 

With time ticking down, the Wildcats kept the pressure high. Regazzoni had another chance in the 75th minute, but her shot was saved. Meanwhile, Maryland managed to hold on despite its struggles to break out of its own half. Beardsley was undoubtedly the standout player, making several more crucial saves. 

In the 76th minute, Maryland’s offense finally kickstarted with a flurry of shots, including one from Eva Mowery and another from Hannah Schapiro. Still, Northwestern goalkeeper Reiley Fitzpatrick managed to keep the ball out of the net. 

Maryland’s brief attacking spell highlighted its determination, but the team struggled to maintain momentum. 

As the match entered its final moments, both teams seemed to sense the urgency, but neither could find the breakthrough. Northwestern’s Kate Hennen fired off a shot in the 78th minute, but it went wide and the Maryland defense continued to hold firm. 

As the clock ticked past the 84th minute, the match seemed destined for a scoreless draw. Despite Northwestern’s dominance with 20 total shots to Maryland’s six, the Terps’ defense, especially Beardsley, refused to break. The Wildcats had eight shots on goal, all of which were saved by Beardsley. 

For Maryland, a draw on the road against a strong Northwestern represents a hard-earned point, even though they’ll leave Martin Stadium still searching for its first Big Ten victory of the season. 

Maryland will travel next to face Illinois on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Champaign, Illinois.