Preview: Maryland women’s soccer hits the road to face Northwestern and Illinois

Photo courtesy Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

Maryland women’s soccer (3-5-3) heads into a crucial stretch of its season this week, looking to secure its first Big Ten win in a pair of road matchups. The Terps will face Northwestern (5-5-1) on Thursday, at Martin Stadium, with the game set to kick off at 7 p.m. The week ends with a trip to Demirjian Park to take Illinois (4-4-2) on Sunday, September 29, at 3 p.m. 

The Terps are coming off a 2-0 home loss to Oregon on Sunday. Despite controlling possession for stretches and outpacing the Ducks in corner kicks 7-6, Maryland failed to generate meaningful offensive opportunities, managing only two shots on target. 

Oregon capitalized with goals in both halves, the first from Haley McWhirter in the 26th minute and a second-half goal from Ariane Haysman Boaler in the 62nd minute. The loss marked the Terps’ third straight shutout defeat, continuing their struggle in front of goal. 

Maryland will now look to break its winless conference against two familiar teams. 

Northwestern enters Thursday’s contest with an identical 0-3-0 Big Ten record, having dropped three consecutive games to Purdue, Penn State, and Ohio State. The Wildcats have struggled offensively, scoring only one goal in their last three matches. However, they remain dangerous, led by junior forward Kennedy Roesch, who has netted four goals this season. 

The Northwestern defense is anchored by goalkeeper Reiley Fitzpatrick, who has recorded three shutouts and holds a solid 1.13 goals-against average. 

Sunday’s opponent, Illinois, sits slightly better in standings with one point (0-2-1 Big Ten) after a 2-2 tie against Wisconsin. Illinois nearly pulled off the upset against the Badgers, holding a 2-0 lead before surrendering two goals in the final 45 minutes. 

The Illini is led by Sarah Foley, who ranks among the Big Ten’s top scorers with seven goals this season. Goalkeeper Izzy Lee has been a steady presence for Illinois. 

The key to success in these upcoming games for Maryland will be finding offensive rhythm and staying disciplined defensively. Freshman standout Kennedy Bell, who scored earlier in the season against VCU, will need to overcome a lingering leg injury that has limited her recent minutes. 

In addition, midfielder Emily Lenhard, who leads the team with three assists, will be crucial in creating chances for the Terps. As seen in the Oregon loss, Maryland has struggled in transition, and coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer has emphasized the importance of defensive organization. 

Historically, Maryland has found it difficult against both teams. The Terps are 1-4-2 all-time against Northwestern, with their last win coming in 2018. Against Illinois, Maryland is 3-4-1 all-time, losing the previous two meetings, including a 3-2 defeat at home in 2022. 

As the Terps look to end their Big Ten drought, they face two pivotal matchups that could define the season’s trajectory.