With just more than two minutes remaining in Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Michigan, Maryland women’s soccer goalkeeper Rachel Egyed ran out of the net too soon. As a result, Wolverines forward Nicky Waldeck had an open look on the right side of the box.
Maryland midfielder Hope Gouterman guarded the net, so as Waldeck launched one of Michigan’s 26 shots on the afternoon, she didn’t have an open lane. The ball bounced off of Gouterman’s leg and sailed wide. Defender Kate Waters placed her hand on Gouterman’s back as the Terps briefly celebrated the save.
It was one of the few highlights for coach Ray Leone’s team, which dropped its third consecutive Big Ten game, but it proved a point he’s stressed since the start of fall practice: Maryland can’t waste any minute of any game.
“We are building this team and this program back up,” Leone said. “We’re trying to get better for now but also for the future. That’s why it’s absolutely imperative that they never give an inch to anybody, and they really haven’t. That’s what excites me as a coach.”
Still, the Terps were frustrated with their performance of much of Sunday afternoon after dropping a game to Michigan State in double overtime Thursday.
Michigan midfielder Jackie White opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and forward Reilly Martin, after dribbling around Gouterman, connected with midfielder Emma Groffsky, who tapped the ball into the right corner of the net to give the Wolverines a 2-0 lead.
Maryland defender Niven Hegeman stood between the pipes, clenched her fist and looked toward the ground. As time ran off the clock, Leone had a discussion with a pair of officials on the sideline. The Terps entered the intermission down two goals and were outshot, 11-2, in the opening period.
“We didn’t capitalize on the opportunities that were given to us, and our mistakes were big mistakes,” forward Jarena Harmon said. “[We weren’t] contesting shots. Players would run straight down the outside lines of the field and either get a corner or cross the ball easily. When we made a mistake, it resulted in a goal.”
In the second half, Michigan continued to capitalize on Maryland’s miscues.
In the 49th minute, Maryland defender Kate Waters tried to prevent Martin from advancing toward the goal in the box. Waters and Martin got tied up, with Martin nearly falling to the ground, but the Wolverines forward recovered and deposited the ball into the top of the net. All Gouterman could do was set up for the next play.
“It’s hard [to carry momentum from one game to another],” midfielder Darby Moore said. “I think we’re able to find a little light that we can find with every single play. Our team is adaptable and versatile. We’ll take anything put our way and make the best of it.”
By the time Jackson, who took Maryland’s only two shots in the first half, scored on a header in the 78th minute, Michigan had a comfortable advantage. With the exception of the first 20 minutes, the Wolverines dominated possession.
The Terps were outshot, 26-4, and dropped their third consecutive Big Ten contest, while Michigan rattled of its seven straight victory.
“We have a goal and we need to gather points so we can at least be in a decent place at the end of the season,” Harmon said. “Everyone on the team has already focused on what we need to do next. We’re trying to keep a positive vibe and keep our heads up.”
