When the Terrapin women’s soccer team got behind in a game, it used to be safe to say a win was out of reach.

And when the Terps’ defense let up two goals, a win was even more improbable.

But taking on Loyola (Md.) Tuesday night, the team proved that this season is much different than previous years.

Down one at halftime, the Terps offense exploded for five goals in the second half, including three during a two-minute span, to beat Loyola 5-2.

For the first time since 2004, the Terps (4-0) allowed two goals but won the game. All four games this season have been decided in the second half.

“Our kids kept plugging away and creating chances,” coach Brian Pensky said. “We have not been able to rely on our offense like this in a number of years.”

All-ACC goalkeeper Mary Casey struggled to find a groove in the game, allowing two goals. But the Terps offense picked up their game, taking off pressure from the usually reliable defense.

The goal scoring started in the second half, when Pensky put in forward Sade Ayinde. She did not disappoint, putting the Terps on the board in the 51st minute after rebounding a shot by forward Lydia Hastings.

What happened next thrilled the crowd: Midfielder Danielle Hubka placed a 30-yard shot in the far corner, giving the Terps their first lead. But the team seemingly switched to cruise control, and Loyola immediately answered back with a goal of its own in the 52nd minute.

To cap the scoring madness, Ayinde put the Terps up for good with her second goal of the half in the 53rd minute.

In all, there were four goals scored in three minutes of play.

“I wanted to help the team anyway possible, and today it was scoring goals,” Ayinde said. “Playing center back last season, I wasn’t in a position to score goals. Now I feel I can make a bigger difference in the game.”

The win continues the Terps’ best start in 13 years.

“The team feels great and confident right now,” Ayinde said. “We’re opening up offensively more this year than we did last year and it has given us much more scoring chances.”

eckard@umdbk.com