By Ben Tugendstein
The Terrapins women’s soccer team’s five game win streak was snapped in Minneapolis on Friday night as the Golden Gophers scored in the 84th minute to hand Maryland their first loss since a late September defeat at the hands of Nebraska.
Maryland put pressure on the Minnesota defense and had some chances throughout the first half. About 20 minutes into the game, Maryland had a couple of corner kicks, sent in by Shannon Collins and Riley Barger, but the Terrapins could not find that final touch and the Gophers were able to clear it just in time.
Minnesota’s only real chance came right before halftime. Julianna Gerens received a tremendous pass and had a wide open look, but Maryland goalkeeper Rachelle Beanlands made an impressive save to keep the scoreboard blank at the half.
Sarah Fichtner had Maryland’s best opportunity to score in the 58th minute as she maneuvered around a couple of defenders, but her shot was turned away by Gophers goalie Tara Hobbes.
Minnesota caught a break in the 84th minute and executed as a deflected pass found its way to Olivia Schultz whose through pass to Katie Thyken beat the Maryland defense and Thyken finished what turned out to be the game winner.
Maryland is now 5-5-6 overall and 3-3-5 in the Big Ten and play at Wisconsin and Penn State before heading into the Big Ten Tournament November 5th.
