Following a miraculous win over Michigan its last time out, Maryland women’s soccer (2-1-5) gets set for a match against Illinois (5-3-1) as the Terps continue their gauntlet conference schedule.
Maryland barely escaped with the 1-0 shutout over Michigan last week, as the Terps defeated the Wolverines for the first time in program history. Maryland had lost to the reigning Big Ten champion the last eight years in a row, but this time handed Michigan its first loss on the road this season.
Both teams struggled to break through the other teams’ defense for the entire first half and much of the second half. Mikayla Dayes finally broke through 70 minutes in on a header off of a picture-esque Juliana Lynch assist.
The goal was Dayes’ first of the season, and Lynch’s second assist.
Given the clear difference in record, the two teams played a more evenly matched than anticipated. Michigan took nine shots to Maryland’s ten, and goalkeeper Madeline Smith came up big with five saves to the Wolverines’ three.
The Terps’ ability to play to the level of the Wolverines was especially impressive considering how much their second half needed to make up for the first, much like their earlier matches this season. Maryland registered seven shots in the final 45 minutes, compared to just three in the first half.
I thought that whatever [the defense] threw, I felt like [we] were organized, and they knew what was coming,” coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer said. “I also give credit to my attack because the attack this week was much better, so they challenged their defenders. I thought it was just a total team effort.”
Alina Stahl has been key on offense for Maryland this season. The West Virginia transfer leads the Terps in goals (three) and points (eight), and is tied for the team lead in assists (two).
Maryland looks to continue its momentum when the Terps take on Illinois. The Illini embark on a brief road trip starting in College Park.
Illinois enters fresh off of its Big Ten opener, which the Illini dropped to Michigan State, 3-0.
The Spartans dealt all of their damage in the second half as neither team could break through the back lines at the start. Illini goalkeeper Julia Cili was put to work with five saves in the opening half, and seven on the day.
Michigan State took only six more shots than Illinois, 18:12, but a big gap showed in shots on goal. The Spartans outshot the Illini 11:4.
Lauren DeBeau recorded all three scores in Michigan State’s victory.
Illinois, who won last year’s matchup in a 2-1 victory, will look to penetrate Maryland’s defense, a unit which has yet to relent more than one goal per game.
The offensive firepower from Illinois has been spread around, as seven different Illini have recorded a goal this season. Kenda Pasquale leads with three.
Head-to-head, Maryland and Illinois have 3-3-1 records against one another. Maryland has every intention of creating a series lead.
“I don’t want people to think that this was an accident, because they’ve been working hard,” Nemzer said. “We’ve got to be hungrier, we’ve got to make sure we fine tune a couple things.”
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Thursday and will take place at Ludwig Field in College Park.
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