Coach Brian Pensky knew the No. 8 Terrapin women’s soccer team wouldn’t have any trouble scoring this season with an attack loaded with proven veterans.
What he did have reservations about, however, was his team’s backline.
And who could blame him? Pensky lost three staples of last season’s defense, which averaged exactly one goal allowed per game, helping propel the Terps to their first Sweet 16 in the coach’s six-year tenure.
Through five games, however, the Terps’ defense has done its best to dispel any doubts. The Terps have allowed just three goals thus far and registered three shutouts.
“We’re a good attacking team,” Pensky said. “The more we have the ball, the less teams can attack us. It’s absolute team defending.”
While the Terps (5-0) have faced only two powerful attacks — in an opening-weekend win against Missouri and a victory in Knoxville, Tenn., against Tennessee — their defense has been up to the task.
They held the Lady Volunteers to just one goal, no small feat considering the Lady Volunteers scored two against No. 1 North Carolina on Saturday.
The backbone of the Terps’ shut-down defense lies between the pipes. After starting in goal during her freshman year in 2007, Yewande Balogun found herself on the bench for the past two seasons behind All-ACC goalkeeper Mary Casey.
But after redshirting last season, Balogun is thriving after reestablishing herself as the starter.
“I feel good about Yewande,” Pensky said. “The kid’s been out for two years, and she’s reacquainted herself with her responsibilities. As a result, our backline and our team has gained more confidence in her.”
Balogun isn’t the only Terp who has made sacrifices for the team’s defense. Co-captain Caitlin McDowell, who spent her first three seasons at midfield, has willingly and smoothly made the position switch to defense to help solidify the team’s unit.
McDowell also helps the Terps’ aggressive style of play, demonstrating a willingness and ability to jump into the attack while remaining steady defensively. She has two goals and four assists through five games, including two goals against Kennesaw State on Aug. 29.
The Terps will again depend on their backline after a disappointing attacking performance Sunday when they travel to face Seton Hall tonight. While the Terps outplayed visiting Stony Brook this weekend during their 2-0 win, they were without the sharpness and intensity that had led them to their early-season success.
Even though the team’s renowned attack was lacking Sunday, the backline of Mallory Baker, Colleen Deegan, Megan Gibbons, McDowell and Balogun remained relentless, not allowing a shot until a half-hearted effort in the 88th minute.
That consistency will need to continue for the Terps to fulfill any lofty long-term goals as they enter ACC play. Including the Terps, the conference boasts seven teams ranked No. 16 or higher.
“To be fair, we’ve only had two real tests, and we did pretty well in both those games,” Pensky said, referring to the matches with Missouri and Tennessee. “I think thus far we’re pleased, yet we know we have many tests ahead.”
cwalsh@umdbk.com
