By Jake Pavorsky

Senior Day is always a fun day for the graduating players, a rather momentous day in every player’s collegiate career. For the Maryland women’s soccer team, their clash with the Illinois Fighting Illini (9-5-1) was a game nobody there will soon forget.

The Terrapins (5-4-6) got off to a poor start, as an illegal touch in the box by goalie Rachelle Beanlands gave Illinois a rare indirect free kick from just 10 yards out. Jannelle Flaws would step up to take it and make the most of her opportunity, putting the visiting side up 1-0 in the 20th minute. It would be Flaws’ 17th goal on the season, best in the Big Ten.

Maryland forward Gabby Galanti earned her side a penalty kick in the 37th minute, but her shot was stopped, and a rebound opportunity from Aubrey Baker deflected off the crossbar. At the end of the half, Illinois still held a 1-0 advantage.

As they’ve seem to do for most of the season, the Terrapins came out extremely aggressive in the second half. Head coach Jonathan Morgan called upon Alex Anthony off the bench, and the redshirt freshman delivered in just her 4th appearance this season. Anthony scored on a great assist from Maisie McCune in the 70th minute, tying the game.

The two sides were knotted at one after ninety minutes, which led to two overtime periods. Maryland continued to supply the pressure but Illinois goalkeeper Claire Wheatley kept them at bay, saving a penalty kick from Sarah Fitchner just at the end of the second overtime.

The game finished tied 1-1, and the Terrapins certainly know they had a multitude of opportunities they’ll need to capitalize on going forward.

They travel to Minnesota on Oct. 24 for their next game against a new Big Ten foe.