By Ben Tugendstein

Neither the Terps nor the Wildcats could find the back of the net Friday night as the Maryland women’s soccer team tied,0-0, for their third straight game.

Northwestern made it clear from the opening whistle that they were going to be aggressive and pressure Maryland, hoping it would lead to Terrapin mistakes. And it almost looked as though it worked as about 10 minutes to go, Maryland was forced into a turnover, leading to a nice opportunity for Wildcat midfielder Sami Schrakamp, but she couldn’t strike it squarely and Terps goalkeeper Rachel Beanlands easily plucked it.

Maryland’s defense did well to counter Northwestern’s aggressive play as throughout the first half they chased down Wildcat strikers and put just enough pressure on Addie Steiner to induce plenty of errant shots.

On the offensive side of the ball, Maryland had their fair share of opportunities, making great runs and controlling the ball for a majority of the first half. But each time, they were just a bit off- either passing too far or just off rhythm.

The second half featured more action and more chances for both sides. Steiner and Michelle Manning of Northwestern each had plenty of chances to break the draw, but neither could put an accurate, hard shot on goal.

The Terps best chance came with 12:30 to go in the game. Sarah Fichtner received a pass within the box and took a shot that looked destined to curl into the goal, but Wildcat goalkeeper Lauren Clem dove and knocked it away.

With the seconds winding down, Steiner got another Terps turnover and blasted one up close, but Beanlands was there to save the day for the Terrapins. And with that, Maryland ensured their destiny as the first Terps team to play in three straight overtime games since 1993.

The only real chance of the first overtime was early as Steiner received a beautiful through pass but stopped and looked at the referee in disgust as she had been deemed offsides. It was one of a few questionable offsides calls that might have cost one of these teams a goal and a win.

Maryland really tried to end it in the second overtime, putting together a relentless attack of crosses and runs close to the goal. But like the 100+ minutes before, it just didn’t happen and the Terps suffered a disappointing draw, in a game with the chance to climb up the Big Ten standings.

The Terps next game is October 19 against Illinios.