Maryland shutout by No. 7 Ohio State 3-0 on the road

Photo by Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

COLOMBUS, OH- Maryland women’s soccer (3-7-4) was held scoreless in a 3-0 loss to No. 7 Ohio State (9-1-3) on Friday evening at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The Terps struggled to find their rhythm despite moments of promise, while the Buckeyes capitalized on their opportunities, leaving the Terps without a response. 

Despite a resilient defensive showing in the first half, the Terps couldn’t withstand Ohio State’s persistent pressure, eventually leading to two goals in the first half. 

The Buckeyes struck early in the first half, with back-to-back goals leaving Maryland facing a daunting 2-0 deficit. Ohio State generated early chances through set pieces and crosses into the box. Despite these early setbacks, the Terps showed resilience, fighting to regain their footing and stay in the game. 

Maryland’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Liz Beardsley, held firm under pressure, with Beardsley making a crucial save in the 22nd minute to deny Amanda Schlueter’s low shot on goal. 

Beardsley made her presence known with three critical saves throughout the first half. However, the team struggled to transition these defensive efforts into offensive momentum. 

Ohio State dominated possession for much of the match and continued to probe Maryland’s backline. The Terps defended fearlessly, limiting Ohio State to long-range shots for much of the first half. Despite the two early goals, Maryland worked hard to stay competitive, maintaining possession at times and forcing Ohio State to play defense. 

The Terps created some promising moments, including Kate Hawleys shot that narrowly missed the target in the 26th minute. 

After the chance Maryland continued to press forward, searching for a way back into the match. In the 39th minute, Emily Lenhard took a low shot on target that forced Ohio State’s goalkeeper Molly Pritchard into a save. The Terps also attained three corner kicks through the half, giving them another chance to close the gap, but they were unable to convert. 

Though Ohio State’s early goals gave them the advantage, Maryland’s resolve and defensive efforts kept the deficit to two heading into halftime. 

Entering the second half, Maryland continued its attack for a goal, determined to mount a comeback. Ohio State, however, remained composed defensively, stifling the Terps’ pushes forward. 

In the 67th minute, Ohio State delivered the final blow when Jacinda Bonham scored with a low shot to the right corner, assisted by Amanda Schlueter. The goal stretched Ohio State’s lead to 3-0, sealing the victory. Schlueter, who assisted all three goals of the game, was a key figure in Ohio State’s offense throughout the match. 

The loss continues Maryland’s struggles in Big Ten play, as the Terps have yet to secure a win in conference action. Ohio State’s ability to control possession, capitalize on early opportunities, and maintain defensive stability made the difference in the match. 

For Maryland, it was another learning experience as it attempts to refine its play on both ends of the field. 

Despite the result, Maryland’s resilience and fight were evident throughout the match. The Terps will hope to turn those qualities into goals in their match versus Penn State at Ludwig Field on Thursday.