After a disastrous loss to Indiana on Friday, No. 10 Maryland field had a chance to bounce back in the biggest of ways against No. 1 Northwestern.

Through the first half, it looked like Maryland would do just that. 

The Terps got off to a lightning start to what could have been their best performance in any half this season, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.

However, Maryland would not be able to ride its early game performance and the Terps would fall short, with Northwestern taking victory, 2-1.

It was second-half perfection from Northwestern as its offense used a dominant third quarter to fuel the Wildcats, while the defense stopped the Maryland attack in its tracks in the final 30 minutes.

Despite the tough loss to the Wildcats, the performance by the Terps was an encouraging sign following the disappointment of the loss against Indiana. 

“The lesson is you’re good,” said coach Missy Meharg. “We’re really good.”

Maryland falls to 8-6 on the year, while Northwestern improves to 13-1.

Maryland came out of the gate strong, earning a penalty corner just 14 seconds into the game. Feliz Kuhne fired a shot, but it was blocked before reaching Northwestern goalkeeper Juliana Boon.

The Terps were able to get another corner with 9:28 remaining in the first quarter, but this time Maryland would take advantage. 

After a shot by Jordyn Holloman was blocked, Djuna Eikelboom was able to take the rebound and fire it past Boon, giving the Terps an early 1-0 lead just under six minutes into the game.

The goal seemed to spark both offenses. Back-and-forth attacks were the trend for the remainder of the quarter, with both teams putting pressure on the opposing defense.

Maryland got another big chance with 2:41 to go in the first quarter. Djuna Eikelboom was able to find open space, but Boon was up to the task this time. Boon made an impressive save to keep Maryland from doubling its lead.

It was not just the offense that was able to impose itself on the top-ranked team in the nation early.

Maryland’s defense was able to hold Northwestern from getting many opportunities to create scoring threats. Northwestern was able to work the ball towards the Maryland shooting circle, but led by Josie Holloman the Terps defense held firm and suffocated the Wildcats.

An early shot attempt by Olivia Bent-Cole was the only one Northwestern would have in the first half. 

Maryland’s defense had been the backbone of the team all season but the Terps performance in the first half was their best of the season.

However, in the third quarter, the script completely flipped on the Terps.

It didn’t take long into the second half for Northwestern to show why they are the top ranked team in the nation.

After a big collision in the shooting circle, Maddie Zimmer was able to convert a penalty shot to tie the game at one for the Wildcats with 11:52 to go in the third quarter.

The game-tying goal proved to be a momentum shift for Northwestern as its offense was able to impose itself for much of the third quarter. 

Northwestern controlled the ball for nearly the entire third quarter, pummeling the Terps’ defense with constant attacking pushes. 

With just over three minutes remaining in the period, the Wildcats broke through again. Maja Zivojnovic fired a shot past Klebasko to give Northwestern its first lead of the contest.

The Wildcats had eight shots and four penalty corners in the third quarter alone. The Northwestern defense was able to hold the Terps to only two shots of their own, not allowing a single penalty corner.

“Northwestern came out on fire,” said Meharg. “They took some one-on-ones, [and] they got some of our freshmen kind of tangled outside the circle.”

The Northwestern defense was able to keep the pressure on, not allowing Maryland any chances to even up the score throughout most of the fourth quarter. 

The Terps would empty their net in an attempt to get a late goal to tie it up, and despite a late chance, Maryland would not be able to do so as Northwestern held on for the win.

Maryland will face off against No. 15 Rutgers on Friday, as the Terps travel to New Brunswick looking to end a multi-game losing streak.