Maryland women’s soccer snaps losing streak with 2-0 win over Nebraska

Photo courtesy of Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

Maryland women’s soccer claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over Nebraska on Sunday afternoon at Ludwig Field. A late goal in the first half from Delaney DeMartino, assisted by Katie Coyle and Kelsey Smith, sealed the win, allowing Maryland to snap its winless streak and grab its first Big Ten victory. 

The Terps (4-8-4, 1-4-3 Big Ten) came into the match searching for answers after a difficult stretch of games. On the other side, Nebraska (4-9-1, 2-6-1) looked to continue its push for a higher spot in the conference standings. However, Maryland struck first, quickly setting the tone for an intense 90 minutes.

Both teams fought for control, but Maryland capitalized on a scoring opportunity later in the first half. The decisive moment came 40 minutes in when a well-executed team play saw Coyle deliver a pinpoint pass into the box, which Smith cleverly capitalized on for DeMartino. The Maryland midfielder calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, giving the Terps a much-needed early lead. It was Maryland’s only shot on goal of the game, but it was all they needed to secure the victory. 

“My first thought is I was doing it for the rest of the girls on the team, and it was an amazing feeling,” said DeMartino. “When Coyle played that ball over I just acted how I have to act to finish the ball,” she added. “We were just all so excited; it wasn’t all about me; it was about this team.”

Despite the early lead, Maryland had to withstand significant pressure from Nebraska throughout the first half. The Cornhuskers tried to exploit the flanks, sending dangerous crosses into the box.

Nebraska created several dangerous opportunities, but Maryland goalkeeper Liz Beardsley stood tall, making a key save on a shot from Lauryn Anglim. Beardsley’s solid play between the posts, along with Maryland’s disciplined defending, kept the Cornhuskers at bay.

The second half began with Maryland quickly capitalizing on its advantages. In the 76th minute, Coyle struck again, this time with her name on the scoresheet. After a well-worked buildup, Kelsey Smith provided the assist, and Coyle fired a low shot into the right corner, doubling the lead.

“We talked a lot throughout the season, despite this not being our first wins and first goals, not having too high of highs and too low of lows, so we always come in after we score a goal and we refocus ourselves, so obviously it was very exciting we got the goals and all the celebrations but we kind of just tried to go back to playing the game like it was 0-0,” said Coyle. 

Nebraska continued to press forward. Sarah Weber had a chance to pull one back for the Cornhuskers in the 67th minute, but her shot flew high over the crossbar. Maryland’s defense, anchored by Kelsey Smith and Kenndey Bell, held firm, repelling Nebrasksa’s advances and preventing any clear-cut chances. 

With time winding down, the urgency increased, but Maryland’s defense was up to the task. Beardsley remained solid in goal, confidently claiming crosses and organizing her backline. Despite Nebraska’s relentless pressure, Maryland’s ability to remain compact and disciplined in defense was a key factor in securing the win. 

While the score suggests Maryland dominated control, the match was more balanced statistically. Nebraska outshot Maryland 7-6, but Maryland was able to make better use of its opportunities, with three shots on goal compared to Nebraska’s two. Both teams remained close in the number of corner kicks received, with Nebraska earning five to Maryland’s four. However, the Cornhuskers red card received in the 51st minute played a pivotal role in shifting the game’s momentum.

Maryland’s victory over Nebraska gives the Terps much-needed momentum as they finish up their season. With a challenging road game against Minnesota and Wisconsin coming up, Maryland will look to carry the confidence from Sunday’s performance into their next challenge. 

“It’s a cool day for the girls, really happy to get the win,” said interim head coach Micheal Marachiano. “I think a lot of us know what’s been going on in and around our program, and it’s a big day for the girls.”

As the season nears its conclusion, both teams will be looking to solidify their standing in the conference, but now, Maryland can savor a hard-earned victory that brings new energy into its season. The Terps are back in action on the road against Minnesota on Thursday.