Maryland women’s soccer’s attack sputters in 3-0 loss to USC

Costly fouls, limited time of possession and a large shot disparity were once again the driving factors in Maryland women’s soccer’s troubles on Thursday. 

In the Terps’ first game of their two-game weekend trip to Los Angeles, they were unable to continue their recent success in Big Ten matches. After consecutive late-game victories last weekend, Maryland (6-5-0, 2-2-0 Big Ten) dropped back down to .500 in Big Ten play, losing to the USC Trojans 3-0.

The Terrapins found themselves dealing with familiar struggles early, falling behind in shot disparity, playing sloppy defense and allowing the Trojans (5-3-1, 2-2-0 Big Ten) to dominate possession from the start.

Looking for chances to recontrol the ball, Maryland found itself in early foul trouble. Maryland senior defender Alyssa Abramson was charged with two fouls within the first six minutes, with her second setting up a USC free kick. 

Two USC forwards, junior Maribel Flores and sophomore Faith George, set up near the ball, but it was Flores, the Trojans’ leading goal-scorer, who took the shot. Flores found the top right corner of the net on the attempt to give USC a lead in the seventh minute

The Trojans remained in total control of possession after their goal. They continued to press Maryland hard, repeatedly trying to find more looks against Maryland redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Faith Luckey and the rest of the Maryland defense. 

The Terps struggled to find any way to flip the field. They were unable to take any shots until the 33rd minute, when junior forward/midfielder Lisa McIntyre shot a ball high over the net.

The Terps committed another costly foul once again in the 38th minute as sophomore forward/midfielder Kate Hawley received a yellow card after tackling sophomore forward Katie Park from behind within the penalty box. 

However, when Park went to set up to take her penalty kick, Rawlinson Stadium’s fire alarm began sounding, bringing the match to a pause.

Coming out of the unexpected break, Park was able to score her first collegiate goal on the penalty kick. Park’s shot reached the left of the net while Luckey dove to the right.

Throughout the first half, the Terps were outshot 9-1 by the Trojans. They also committed three fouls while USC committed none. 

Coming out of halftime, Maryland showed improved ability to control its possessions. However, USC continued to take shot after shot against the Maryland defense.

The Terps found themselves on the other end of foul trouble in the 62nd minute as redshirt junior forward Kelsey Smith was tripped after facing hard contact while receiving a pass. Junior defender Alyssa Gonzalez received USC’s first yellow card of the match. 

The Terps were awarded a free kick but failed to capitalize as sophomore midfielder Emily Lenhard’s shot went too high, sailing over the top of the goal. 

Luckey continued to impress in front of the net in the 73rd minute as sophomore forward Jaiden Anderson once again sent a screamer toward the right side of the net. The goalkeeper displayed her quick instincts again on the save, facing her fifth shot on goal of the night. 

Maryland received another free kick opportunity in the 78th minute. This time, it was midfielder Ava Morales taking the shot. The senior made her last free kick attempt in Maryland’s win over Purdue on Sunday. Morales’ shot was immediately deflected away from the net and the Trojans were able to quickly regain possession off the rebound.

USC found the back of the net again in the 89th minute after Luckey charged the ball, leaving the goal empty. Junior forward Hana Mizumoto capitalized and notched the Trojans’ third and final goal of the night.

Maryland finished the night with only four shots, including one on goal. It allowed a total of 15 shots to USC, six of them on goal, with three being saved by Luckey. 

The Terps will play the second game of their away trip on Sunday as they travel across Los Angeles to face the No. 4 UCLA Bruins. After a couple of days off, the Terps will look to get back above .500 in Big Ten play.