Maryland women’s soccer was once again held scoreless by a Big Ten opponent, as it was outmatched and out-chanced by Northwestern on the road. But the Terps’ defense did not allowing a single Northwestern goal, and the teams drew, 0-0.
The result moves the Terps to 3-5-4 on the season and 0-3-1 in Big Ten play, while Northwestern stands at 5-5-1 and 0-3 in conference play. Maryland hasn’t scored a goal in 14 straight Big Ten matches.
The first half was relatively uneventful, as Northwestern had all of the chances. However, none of the Wildcats’ chances were high-danger.
Kennedy Roesch took a bottom left shot that was saved by Liz Beardsley. Then, Megan Norkett took a bottom right shot that allowed Beardsley to make her second save of the match. Both chances happened between the 16th and 21st minute.
The rest of the first half was uneventful until the 39th minute, when Beardsley made her third save of the night.
The first half ended with Northwestern attempting a corner with 20 seconds remaining in the half. It was an uneventful opening 45 minutes, but the Wildcats had all the chances. Still, Maryland held Northwestern scoreless heading into the second half.
The Wildcats took eight shot attempts in the first 45 minute, three of them being on net. Northwestern also had five corners, while the Terps did not receive any.
The Wildcats started the second half in search of their first goal of the match. In the 48th minute, Caterina Regazzoni took a shot on goal, but it was saved by Beardsley again.
Later, in that 48th minute, Josie Aulicino took a shot on net that forced another Beardsley save.
In the 68th minute, the Terps took their first shot of the match, as Lisa McIntyre had an off-target attempt. Kelsey Smith took Maryland’s second shot in the 73rd minute, but her attempt was also off target.
Beardsley maintained the shutout in the 75th minute and again in the 76th minute. She made a diving save on a Aulicino shot on a dangerous chance. Beardsley then made another, less-difficult save on a Regazzoni shot, where she didn’t have much trouble making her seventh save of the match.
Maryland finally had a chance to score in the 78th minute, putting two shots on net. Ava Morales took a shot that was saved by a diving Reiley Fitzpatrick, leading to a Maryland corner. Eva Mowery then had a shot saved by Fitzpatrick that sent a rebound to Hannah Schapiro, who took a shot that was blocked. Morales tried to follow up, but her shot was off target.
Maryland received a corner late in the 86th minute, but it was defended perfectly by Northwestern. The Wildcats and Aulicino pushed the ball all the way down to the other side of the field, but Maryland weathered the chance.
In the final minute of the match, Northwestern sent in a corner. Emma Phillips got a shot on net for one final chance at a win, and it was close, but Beardsley made a miraculous save to preserve the draw for the Terps.
Northwestern led Maryland in shots (20-6), shots on goal (8-2) and corners (7-3).
Maryland overcame complete domination from Northwestern in the first half, played much better in the second half and preserved a scoreless sheet for a draw.
Three things to know
1. Beardsley stood strong. Beardsley made eight saves on the night and was a massive force in Maryland’s first draw of Big Ten play. Including a save in the final minute, she did everything she could to avoid a loss.
2. Scoreless, but not a loss. The Terps were held scoreless for the 14th straight Big Ten match. For the second time in that streak, Maryland didn’t suffer a loss, as the Terps’ defense and goalkeeping held strong.
3. Strong defense. Maryland’s defense was huge in making Northwestern uncomfortable on the offensive end. Unlike the last three games, the Terps were energized and prevented the Wildcats from earning their first win of Big Ten play.
