Maryland women’s soccer entered Thursday’s match against Michigan with just three goals over its last six games. An offense that showed no signs of life during its five-game losing streak finally broke out in its long-awaited return to Ludwig Field.

After digging themselves in a four-goal deficit, the Terps produced a trio of scores within 12 minutes. But Maryland’s comeback effort ultimately fell short, dropping another Big Ten clash, this time, 4-3.

The Terps fell to 6-10 on the season and 2-7 during Big Ten play. Maryland’s chances of its first conference tournament appearance since 2019 have taken a massive hit. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Terps are in danger of letting a strong start slip away.

Following their disappointing road trip — Maryland was outscored by four goals against Nebraska and Iowa — the Terps came back to College Park looking to change the tide of their season. 

Instead, it was the Wolverines that drew first blood. Michigan started hot, scoring within the first two minutes, as Vickie Jones slipped one into the bottom right corner to make it 1-0. 

Maryland tried to answer, with Kelsey Smith and Lisa McIntyre pushing forward early. However, their shots fell wide. 

Smith worked hard up the sidelines, creating some offensive pressure, but the Terps struggled to connect passes and build consistent attacks.

Goalkeeper Faith Luckey anchored Maryland’s defense once again, holding off constant shots from the Wolverines. After facing a career-high 29 shots against Nebraska, head coach Michael Marchiano praised Luckey for stepping up through tough stretches.

After weathering the early storm and limiting Michigan to just two shots on frame, the Terps entered halftime with a one-goal deficit. Eerily similar to the opening half, the Wolverines struck early out of the locker room.

The second half started even, with both teams trading shots and saves. However, Michigan quickly broke through. Wolverines’ Elle Ervin doubled their lead on an assist by Ella Jablinsky. 

Just over one minute later, Jenna Lang added another goal. Gabrielle Pyrch tacked on Michigan’s fourth goal of the game in the 66th minute, handing the Terps what seemed to be an insurmountable deficit.

Marchiano had mentioned before the game that Maryland needed an “x-factor” offensively, someone like Smith to spark some momentum. She delivered Thursday night.

“I think in recent away games we haven’t been able to produce very much offensively and we need a player like Kelsey Smith to be our ‘x-factor’… and we need her to finish the season strongly,” Marchiano explained this past week. 

Ninety-one seconds after Michigan took a four-goal lead, Smith fired a left-footed shot to the top right corner, putting Maryland on the board.

The goal provided the Terps with some momentum. Moments later, Ava Morales fought through the Wolverines’ backline to make it 4-2. With 12 minutes remaining in the match, Gemma Davitian scored off a rebound to bring Maryland within one.

The Terps’ defense stayed patient late, showing more control than in the first half, but Michigan managed to hold the ball and drain the clock.

Maryland’s late surge wasn’t enough, as Michigan walked away with the 4-3 win. Still, the Terps showed fight and resilience throughout the match; a good sign heading into their next home game against Ohio State.