After breaking a three-game losing streak last Thursday, Maryland women’s soccer is looking to make its mark in conference play.
The Terps stayed hot with a 2-1 win over Purdue on a cloudy Sunday at Ludwig Field. The result moved Maryland to 6-4, its most wins in a season since 2019.
“I think we fell into a little bit of a slump towards the end of our non-conference play, but I think we know what our potential is,” midfielder Ava Morales said.
The Terps entered off their first conference win against Indiana last Thursday, notching their first-ever home win against the Hoosiers and first win in a Big Ten home opener game since 2022. Purdue came off a loss to No. 11 Iowa on Thursday.
“Of course, it’s nice to get back-to-back wins, but I think everybody who’s watching can see that the girls are absolutely emptying the tank,” coach Michael Marchiano said.
On Thursday, forward Mckinley Heaven made the game-winning score against the Hoosiers in her first career start. After securing Maryland’s first Big Ten win, Heaven brought the same energy on Sunday.
[Mckinley Heaven’s game-winner lifts Maryland women’s soccer over Indiana, 2-1]
In her second career start, Heaven scored another second-half goal. This one came off of a corner kick by midfielder Emily Lenhard, which Heaven headed into the net in the 65th minute to give Maryland the game-clinching score.
Both teams entered their third match of conference play with a 1-1 record.
The first half saw lots of gameplay near the midfield. Purdue’s offense eventually worked its way through to Maryland’s back line. But the Boilermakers’ continuous attempts to get players into scoring position led to four offside calls in the first half.
The last time Maryland faced the Boilermakers was in 2023, a 0-0 tie in College Park.
Morales ended any fears of that, scoring off her right foot in the 30th minute. After a penalty near Purdue’s box, Morales took advantage of a free kick for the score.
But the Boilermakers quickly responded. Midfielder Irene Campo put one through the center of the net after the Terps attempted to redirect the ball away from goalkeeper Faith Luckey.
[Maryland football shines in all phases, cruises past Wisconsin, 27-10, in Big Ten opener]
Marchiano has repeated his desire for the team to operate as a cohesive unit. The Terps showed flashes of it on Sunday with their ability to slow down the ball and control plays against pressure.
“They’re leaving everything out there, and the message is we can do better technically and tactically, for sure, but the group is playing in a connected way,” Marchiano said. “They’re working really, really hard for each other. They’re preparing really seriously.”
Similarly to an earlier matchup this season against Florida, rough gameplay brought three yellow cards to Maryland’s Alyssa Abramson, Taryn Raibon and Delaney DeMartino. In addition to shoves and trips from both sides, a collision between Heaven and Purdue defender Zoe Cuneio caused both players to be carted off the field with head injuries.
Next up, Maryland embarks on a West Coast road trip. The Terps will face USC on Thursday and No. 4 UCLA on Sunday, both games Marchiano said he expects to be a challenge.
“While it might sound dumb, I don’t think we’re measuring our group based on wins and losses in the Big Ten,” Marchiano said. “It’s great that we can continue through Big Ten play with that confidence and with that feeling, but it’s just about making sure that the girls leave it out there every single time we play.”
