Maryland women’s soccer stung by Badgers in 5-0 road loss

Photo courtesy of Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

Maryland women’s soccer fell 5-0 on the road against Wisconsin in a hard-fought match Sunday afternoon. The Terps struggled to generate offensive pressure as the Badgers scored two early goals. 

Wisconsin (8-4-4, 4-3-3 Big Ten) was on the front foot from the opening whistle, and it didn’t take long to capitalize on the opportunities. In the eighth minute, defender Peighton Steffen found space in the box for a clever link-up play between forward Riley Philbin and midfielder Ashley Martinez. Steffens’ low strike into the right corner left Marland’s goalkeeper Liz Beardsley with little chance, and Wisconsin took an early 1-0 lead. 

Maryland’s defense, which has struggled to contain high-pressure offenses this season, was again under pressure. Just 10 minutes after obtaining the first goal, Wisconsin doubled its lead. Midfielder Erin Connolly received a pinpoint pass from defender Hailey Baumann at the top of the box, calmly slotting the ball into the net for her second goal of the season. 

The Terps (4-10-4, 1-8-1 Big Ten) tried to respond but struggled to break down Wisconsin’s disciplined defense. The Badgers were organized and compact, allowing the Terps limited chances to break through the backline. Maryland’s strongest moment came in the first half in the 42nd minute, when forward Ava Morales fired a shot from the edge of the box, but her attempt sailed wide. 

The Terps entered the second half with renewed determination, but the game pattern remained unchanged. Wisconsin’s defense continued to thwart Maryland’s attacking efforts, with goalkeeper Dew Stover facing two shots to Wisconsin’s 11.

After the Teprs’ scoreless first half, Wisconsin wasted no time asserting its offensive dominance in the second. 18 minutes into the half, the Badgers increased their lead to three after midfielder Maia Ritchers played a pass from Martinez, sending the ball into the low right corner. This was the first of a flurry of goals throughout the half. 

Maryland struggled to create clear chances and was often prevented from taking opportunities by Wisconsin’s high pressure. In the 78th minute, the Badgers received a penalty after a foul by Halle Johnson in the box. Martinez confidently stepped up to take the kick, driving the ball into the back of the net and giving Wisconsin a 4-0 lead.

As the match wore on, Wisconsin continued to apply pressure, with Maryland’s defense struggling to regain possession. The Badgers sealed the game in the 89th minute when midfielder Jenna Baumann scoffed a fifth goal, finishing off a well-planned play with a shot to the high center of the net.

Despite the score, Maryland showed moments of resistance in the second half. In the 84th minute, Morales had a shot blocked after a promising build-up, but the Terps couldn’t capitalize on their limited opportunities. Maryland goalkeeper Beardsley made a crucial save in the 80th minute, keeping out a low shot from midfielder Anya Gulbrandsen. 

Wisconsin dominated possession and had multiple opportunities, including six corners to Maryland’s one. As the match concluded, the Terps reflected on their opportunities as they continued on with the final stretch of their season. 

As Maryland travels to Brunswick, New Jersey, it will look to regroup and refocus for the final match against Rutgers.