The Maryland Terrapins women’s soccer team has played in two types of games this year. The first being tough blowout losses and the second being down to the wire nail bitters. After a streak of blowout defeats, the Terps once again found themselves in a close matchup.
Yet, an overtime goal by Nittany Lion sophomore Laura Freigang in the 94 minute gave No. 13 Penn State a 1-0 victory of the Terps.
If it were not for the incredible play of Maryland junior goalie Rachel Egyed, this game may have never been as close as it was. Egyed had struggled in recent weeks allowing multiple goals is seven of the Terps last eight matchups, but she was rock solid today.
“She is crazy,” said freshman midfielder Sydney Staier on her goalkeepers performance. “She is so good.”
Egyed finished with only five saves, but three of them came on point blank shots from Penn State that could have just as easily been goals.
“It was just about making a decision and sticking with it,” Egyed said. “I do my best so that, you know, I can hopefully inspire the rest of my team to do their best.”
The rest of the Terps’ defense stepped up as well, limiting a strong Penn State offense to only six shots on goal. The performance was by far Maryland’s best since Big Ten play began.
“I’d say the best defensive performance we’ve had in two years,” said Maryland head coach Ray Leone. “I’m just so proud of the performance they had.”
Unfortunately for Maryland, the Nittany Lions were just as stingy on defense. Penn State only allowed Maryland to take one shot during the entire 94 minutes of play.
The Terps’ offense continues to struggle as they have now been shutout in four consecutive games and only mustered up one goal in their last 454 minutes of action.
“We’ll find a way to get the ball back in the back of the net again,” said Leone.
However, even with the offensive woes continuing, Maryland head coach Ray Leone and company have to be pleased with the outcome. For what has been a rough Big Ten season for the Terps, playing the No. 13 team in the nation close should be a big momentum swing for Maryland.
“Playing Ohio State and Penn State neck and neck, it’s pretty good to get ready for our last two,” Leone said. “We learned today, immensely.”
As for Penn State, after tying Rutgers in double overtime earlier in the week, an overtime win over the Terps was a perfect way to end their weekend road trip. The Nittany Lions (10-3-2, 6-1-2) will be back in action next Friday against Purdue.
Maryland (7-7-2, 1-7-1) will play its last home game of the season next Saturday at 7 p.m. at Ludwig Field.
- Maryland volleyball swept by Indiana in second game of weekend homestand - October 7, 2023
- No. 8 Maryland field hockey falls to No. 6 Rutgers in penalty shootout, 3-2 - September 28, 2023
- Maryland women’s soccer stymied by No. 6 Penn State, 4-0 - September 15, 2023
