Maryland Women’s Soccer Falls 2-0 to Oregon Despite Strong Effort

Photo courtesy of Rose Fernandes/ Maryland Athletics

COLLEGE PARK, MD – In a tough, defensive matchup, Maryland women’s soccer (3-5-3) was defeated 2-0 by Oregon (5-5-0) in Ludwig Field on Sunday.

The game started with both teams pushing aggressively in search of an early lead. Oregon’s high press put pressure on Maryland’s backline, but the Terps held firm, clearing several early attempts.

Maryland responded by controlling possession but struggled to find a rhythm in front of the goal. The Terps’ first real chance came in the 23rd minute when sophomore defender Tahirah Turnage-Morales’ shot was saved by Oregon goalkeeper, Maddy Goldberg. 

Oregan broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Haley McWhirter found the back of the net. A well-placed cross from Oregon’s Cameron Bourne found McWhiter in the box, who fired a powerful shot past Mayland goalkeeper Liz Beardsley. This goal gave the Ducks a 1-0, lead, which they would hold for the remainder of the half. 

Maryland continued to press with Peyton Bernard testing Goldberg in the 31st minute, but her effort was saved. The Terps earned a couple of corner kicks and created several chances in Oregon’s box, but their finishing lacked precision, with shots either blocked or saved. Though Maryland tried to respond, the first half ended with Oregon maintaining their slim advantage. 

Defensively, Beardsley made critical goal kicks and defensive clearances to prevent further damage. Oregon managed five shots in the first half, with just one on target. Meanwhile, Maryland’s four shots, including two on target, could not find the equalizer. 

Despite its efforts to dominate possession and generate opportunities, Maryland struggled to convert, facing a strong defensive stand from Oregon. The Ducks committed five fouls but maintained composure as they held off Maryland’s attack. 

“I definitely think we created more chances in our past couple of games, but we just need a little more bite in front of goal and just finish our opportunities,” Turnage-Morales said.

The second half kicked off with Maryland pushing hard to find an equalizer. The Terps increased their intensity and began creating more opportunities on the field, putting Oregon under pressure. However, Oregon’s defense, led by Goldberg, remained firm. 

Maryland’s best chance to cut the deficit came in the 55th minute when they earned a chance to capitalize on a corner kick. Kennedy Bell’s delivery into the box caused confusion, but Oregon managed to clear the ball before it could lead to a shot on target. The Terps kept pushing, but Oregon goalkeeper Goldberg made several saves, denying Maryland a way back into the match. 

In the 62nd minute, Oregan doubled their lead with a critical finish from Ariane Haysman Boaler. The goal came after a well-coordinated play between McWhirter and Sydney Hennessey, who set up Boaler for a shot on goal. Boaler calmly slotted the ball past Beardsley, giving the ducks a 2-0 cushion. 

It was at about this point in the match that Maryland’s frustrations began to boil over. In the 61st minute, Maryland’s Emily Lenhard received a yellow card for unsporting behavior. Just five minutes earlier, Ava Morales was also grouped for a similar infraction. 

Despite being two goals down, Maryland continued to press forward, earning several corners in the second half. Bernard and Delaney DeMartino led the Terps’ attack, helping earn multiple throw-ins deep into Oregon’s half. Still, the Ducks’ defense thwarted their efforts. 

Oregon focused on maintaining its lead by controlling possession and slowing down Maryland’s advances. Despite a few fouls and defensive lapses, Oregon’s backline remained composed, and the Ducks were able to see out the game without conceding. 

Maryland ended the game with five shots, two of which were on target, while Oregon registered seven shots, with three on target, two of which led to their win. Goldberg made two saves for Oregon, including a pair of key stops in the second half, while Beardsley, who faced less direct pressure, made one recorded save. 

The game’s physicality was evident in the number of fouls, with Oregon committing five fouls to Maryland’s one in the first half alone. As the game progressed, tempers flared, leading to three yellow cards for Maryland. 

Ultimately, the result reflected Maryland’s ongoing challenge of converting possession and offensive pressure into goals. Despite earning multiple corners and spending extended time in Oregon’s half, Maryland could not find the back of the net. 

“We still need to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net, but I thought that we were definitely more threatening and utilized what we spoke about over last three days,” coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer said.

This defeat brings Maryland’s record to 3-5-3 on the season. While the Terps showed moments of promise, their inability to finish in the final half and Oregon’s solid defensive display proved to be the difference. 

“The message right now is that we have to continue to focus on the process, focus on the details,” Ryan Nemzar said. “We want to win as bad as anybody right now, but we can’t get focused on the wins and losses. We need to get focused on the process. And that’s the message.” 

Maryland will look to bounce back in their next game against Northwestern as they continue their season.