The Maryland women’s soccer team fell to Iowa, 4-0, on Sunday for its third straight defeat.
The Terps (7-5-2, 1-5-1 Big Ten) allowed two goals in the opening nine minutes and another in the 23rd to fall behind early.
For their first two scores, the Hawkeyes (7-5-1, 2-3-1) capitalized on two mistakes the Terps made on clears. One was ruled an own goal, while Hawkeyes forward Olivia Fiegel notched the other.
Then, unmarked Iowa defender Hannah Drkulec fired a shot off the post before forward Devin Burns netted the rebound. After not conceding a first-half goal through their opening nine matches, the Terps have fallen behind in the first frame in their last five.
Midfielder Karly Stuenkel tallied Iowa’s fourth score in the 49th minute, completing the rout.
Maryland platooned goalkeepers as the Terps dealt with constant Iowa pressure. Rachel Egyed started, making three saves, and Erin Seppi played the second half. The Hawkeyes took 20 shots with 13 on target.
The Terps, meanwhile, managed just four shots on goal.
The Terps gave 20 players time, including defender/midfielder Sarah Kovalchick, who played for the first time this season. She and midfielder Brynn Drury each attempted their first shots.
Maryland has now suffered three consecutive losses by a combined 10-1 score. In seven Big Ten games, the Terps have scored four goals and allowed 16.
Sunday’s game was their largest margin of defeat in 2017 after falling to Nebraska, 3-0, on Thursday.
Maryland returns to Ludwig Field on Thursday against No. 17 Ohio State.
