Preview: Maryland Women’s Soccer Returns Home For Final Stretch of Home Games 

Photo courtesy of Allison Mize/Maryland Terrapins

Maryland women’s soccer returns to Ludwig field for its final two games of the season, starting with a showdown against No. 20 Penn State this Thursday. The Terrapins will face a challenging opponent in the Nittany Lions, both teams aiming to strengthen their position in the Big Ten. 

The Terps, currently 3-7-4 overall and 0-5-1 in Big Ten play, are looking to upset the Nittany Lions in what promises to be an intense match-up under the lights. Penn State, sitting at 9-3-2 and 3-2-1 in the Big Ten, poses a tough challenge for Maryland. Penn State has dominated the series with a 16-4-0 record, including winning ten consecutive matches against Maryland. Its most recent victory was a 4-0 shutout last season. 

Maryland’s last win over the Nittany Lions came in 2004, but Coach Meghan Nemzer’s team hopes to rewrite history in front of its home crowd. 

The Nittany Lions have been powered by standout forward Kaitlyn Macbean, who leads the team with 11 goals this season. Penn State has shown offensive power throughout its season, netting 28 goals overall, and will look to put pressure on Maryland’s defense early on in the match. 

Maryland’s goalkeeper, Liz Beardsley, will need to remain her best. Beardsley has been a steady force for the Terps, recording 54 saves this season and four shutouts. However, Maryland’s biggest challenge lies in its offense, which has struggled to find consistency.

This matchup is pivotal for the Terps as they look to end their home season on a high note. Maryland has shown moments of promise this season, with standout performances from key players like sophomore defender Kennedy Bell and freshman midfielder Emily Lenhard. Bell, who leads the team with three goals, delivered a two-goal performance in Maryland’s 4-0 win over VCU earlier in the season. Her ability to finish inside the box and on breakaways will be critical as the Terps seek to break through Penn State’s solid defense. 

Lenhard has also made an impact, leading the team with three assists as a freshman while also having a memorable goal against James Madison that gave the Terps a late tie. Lenhard’s vision and playmaking will be essential in creating scoring opportunities against a Penn State team that has only allowed 10 goals all season. 

While Maryland has struggled offensively, scoring just 13 goals this season, the Terps will have the potential to surprise. Coach Meghan Nemzer will be counting on players like Bell, Lenhard, and Taryn Raibon, who has scored twice this season, to step up and provide an offensive spark that has been missing in recent weeks.

As the Terps enter their final season stretch and prepare for Thursday’s showdown, they’ll look to end Penn State’s dominant run in the series in addition to picking up a first conference win on the season. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Ludwig Field, and the match will be broadcast on B1G+.