Maryland women’s soccer came into Sunday’s rainy game without a goal or a win in Big Ten play.

Against Northwestern, that changed. In a big way. 

31 seconds in, Lillian Bane broke the goal-less streak. From there, the momentum was on the Terps’ side en route to a win, 2-1 over the Wildcats. 

“It feels really good. I think there was a lot of effort from the whole group, but I’m just really proud of everyone for getting it done, and luckily I was able to connect to Jolie’s cross. I think today, we were finally able to put in our hard work and show everyone what we can do,” Bane said.

For the Terps, the early goal was record-breaking. First, it was their first goal since Sept. 6 against Binghamton and their fastest goal since 2015, when Alex Anthony scored in 13 seconds. 

After the early strike, the Terps did it again early in the second half. 

Lisa McIntyre extended the lead with a left-foot shot off of a corner kick from Bane.

“Hopefully that gives them more confidence and the ability to concentrate in the moments to execute more as we move forward,” head coach Michael Marchiano said.

After breaking a six-game losing streak last Thursday, the Terps showed a new spark, scoring their first two goals of Big Ten conference play.

Goalkeeper Faith Luckey finished with seven saves, helping the Terps get the win. She was a major force in the winning effort and ultimately made a big difference. 

She started strong, getting five saves in the first half, stopping Northwestern’s attacks and defending a game-tying penalty kick, missing high right. 

The weather affected both teams’ ability to move the ball, preventing long passes and efficient goalie kicks to midfield. 

As a result, Maryland used a tighter offensive strategy, making shorter passes. Players struggled to gain control on their first touch all game

Northwestern responded on offense, pressuring the Terps and getting six shots off in the first half. However, Maryland’s defense remained diligent, not allowing Northwestern to break through to get a scoring opportunity. 

Maryland continued its aggressive offense throughout the first half. Peyton Bernard had several close scoring opportunities, with a goal being taken away after an offside call. 

Maryland’s offense outshot the Wildcats 7-6 in the first half and took double the number of corner kicks, 6-3.

Last game, Maryland’s defense limited Nebraska to only four shots and created several scoring opportunities with 7 shots all game. However, a lackluster transition to offense kept the Terps from turning strong defense into a goal. 

“It’s a combination of the quality of the service and the bravery and timing of the run. I mean, there’s a million little things that go into the set pieces, but we’re just, it’s not clicking,” Marchiano said after Thursday night’s game.  

As the second half began, the rain picked up, making the conditions harder for both teams.

Even in the rain, Maryland’s defense continued to shine, playing tighter defense and breaking up Northwestern’s offense before it could form a shot.

Northwestern had several chances to score, but Maryland’s tenacious defense continued to stay locked until the 68th minute when the Wildcat’s midfielder Carey Holland scored on a right-center goal. 

Forward Heaven McKinley had six shots today, all failing to find the back of the net, including a shot that hit the left post, nearly adding a third goal to Maryland’s total. 

Maryland faces Iowa next Friday night at Ludwig Field. 

“When we play Iowa, who’s another top team, we’re going to have to compete and fight at a super high level to have a chance to be competitive in the game,” Marchiano said.