Maryland women’s soccer defeats Towson 1-0 for first win of the season

A fifth draw of the young season looked to be on the horizon as Maryland women’s soccer was deadlocked in a scoreless match with Towson.

But that all changed in the 52nd minute, when freshman defender Kennedy Bell dashed down the left side of the pitch into the box past a falling Tiger defender. She played a pass to sophomore midfielder Ava Morales, who slotted the shot home to give the Terps a 1-0 lead. 

“It was all like confidence from Meg [Ryan Nemzer] and my teammates just encouraging me to keep going forward and then working on the final pass all week paid off,” Bell said. 

The Terps never looked back from that point, as the defense held firm to secure the team’s first win of 2023 over Towson, 1-0.

“Overall just joy and excitement for this team,” coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer said. “They have stayed the course and bought into this process so I’m excited to get the result.”

Maryland commanded the flow of the match, finishing with 16 shots, though only four of those were on target. 

Towson tried to catch Maryland out with counter-attacks but the defense was able to get back and put a stop to any momentum. Towson attempted seven shots with only two being on goal. 

The match began with a feeling out period as both sides gradually grew into the game. 

The Terps had a few strong attacking sequences in the first half, but were unable to find the back of the net despite putting up 10 shots. 

Freshman midfielder Isabel DiPrima had a good look at the net in the 15th minute, but the shot was blocked. Morales rocketed a shot in the 32nd minute from outside of the box, but it sailed just over the goal.

Maryland controlled the possession and attempted 10 shots in the first half but only two of those were on target. 

Towson mostly tried to hit the Terps on the counter, but the Maryland defense stood strong as the Tigers only got off three shots in the half with none of them on goal. 

Tensions were high throughout the game. A small scuffle broke out right before halftime and senior midfielder Sofi Vinas received a yellow as a result.

Maryland came out in the second half attacking from the jump.

“Our game plan going forward was to press their backs and to get the ball higher up today,” Nemzer said. 

The Terps finally got their first goal in the 52nd minute when Morales scored the third goal of her college career on an assist from Bell. 

Bell’s speed was a major factor for Maryland all game, as she burst past Towson players and helped set up some attacks.

“I’m going to continue to say this but I think she’s one of the best outside backs in the country,” Nemzer said. “I’m excited that she’s only a freshman. We get her for another four years.”

Towson started to come out of its shell and push forward more following the Maryland goal. 

Senior defender Maja Hansson put a header on goal in the 60th minute that required a save from junior goalkeeper Liz Beardsley. 

The Tigers totalled four shots in the second half, but the Maryland defense was successful in containing the speedy Towson attack. The Terps put in the right tackles and prevented Towson from gaining any momentum. 

Maryland will be back in action when it hosts George Mason on Thursday at 7 p.m.