Maryland women’s soccer has built early momentum under first-year head coach Michael Marchiano, and Thursday was the latest example.
The Terps defeated UMBC, 1-0, in the teams’ first meeting since 2006, extending their winning streak to three to open the season — the program’s best start since 2021.
The game also marks the final of Maryland’s three consecutive home games to open 2025 — remaining undefeated against the Retrievers at Ludwig Field.
Seconds after the first half began, it was clear that the match would be more challenging than the past two. The Terps struggled to win balls and turned it over more often than against Lehigh and Saint Francis.
By the end of the first half, Maryland built a 1-0 lead despite 16 shots on UMBC goalkeeper Sara Gavagan, with midfielder Ellie Egeland notching her first goal of her career across 17 matches. Egeland, a sophomore returning from the 2024 season, logged 306 minutes across 14 matches last season and started twice as a freshman.
“I feel like this has been a long time coming,” Egeland said. “I’m getting a lot more time on the field so it’s lot more time to prove myself.”
[Under new leadership, Maryland women’s soccer embraces a slow climb up the Big Ten]
Although Egeland said her performance was a reflection of her hard work and improvement as an athlete, she cited the goal as a result of a cohesive team.
“I couldn’t have done it without my team,” Egeland said. “Alyssa’s header was almost right to my feet. It was a given goal, basically.”
Forward Kelsey Smith has posed challenges for every opponent this season, but UMBC contained her effectively. The Retrievers anticipated her speed and athleticism, assigning defenders to shadow her and limit her breakaway opportunities.
The Retrievers came into the second half with energy, aggression and eyes on the goal. Maryland goalkeeper Faith Luckey’s reflexes and quick hands throughout the game demonstrated her efforts to cement a position in the net.
Both teams were especially physical, culminating in six fouls on each team and a yellow card for a slide tackle to UMBC defender Justine Lamb.
The final six minutes of the game were marked by aggressive attempts by the Terps to double their lead, and a sliding block by UMBC defender Olivia Nardone to protect the Retrievers’ net.
The Retrievers pressed for an equalizer until the final whistle, challenging Maryland’s back line but ultimately managing only four shots on target. UMBC battles hard in foot races and contested balls but struggles to sustain their intensity deep into the match.
[Maryland women’s soccer dominates Saint Francis, 5-0, claims best start since 2021]
Egeland, Smith and midfielder Ava Morales put up 13 combined shots on goal for Maryland, proving the three’s eagerness to widen the gap between the teams.
“At the end of the day, as long as those players are creating chances for themselves and for each other and their teammates, then we’ll be in a good spot,” Marchiano said. “We’re going to need to lean on all of them to carry us through.”
The game marked the first three-shutout performance to open a season for Maryland women’s since 2011. Coach Marchiano’s objective of showcasing the team’s consistency has so far been successful, but will need to be maintained throughout conference play.
Maryland will face their first away game this season against Old Dominion on Sunday, breaking a three-game home advantage.
“Our team needs to figure out how to go to a place where they’re less comfortable, and we’re playing against a strong opponent,” Marchiano said. “We’re certainly going to get a good measurement on where we are.”
