In the 28th minute, graduate forward Alyssa Poarch broke past the defense and was hit in stride by Juliana Lynch. Lynch proceeded to send a rocket into the upper right corner, tying the game. 

The lone goal was still a step forward for the Terps, as it ended a three-game shutout streak. 

Unfortunately, it wouldn’t prove enough, as Maryland’s losing streak continued, falling 2-1 to Minnesota in their final home game of the 2022 season. 

The scoring started early in the match, as the Golden Gophers took a 1-0 lead just 10 minutes in, following a beautiful centering cross volleyed to the upper left corner.

The Terps didn’t take long to respond, and for nearly the rest of the first half, the teams remained deadlocked at one apiece. However, Minnesota knocked in one final chance in the last minute of the half.

The score at halftime would end up being the final score. Both squads saw chances develop in their respective offensive zones, but none ever fully materialized. Maryland’s offense did not have a single shot in the second half, but their defense stepped up and turned away multiple good looks from the Golden Gophers. 

“I thought that this was the first time in a while that I felt like we had a backline that was healthy,” Coach Meg Ryan Nemzer said. “For the last like five, six games, we’ve been sorta putting the pieces together. So I still think there’s got to be things that we need to be better about in the backline, but I was happy with their performance.”

With it being the team’s final home game of the season and thus the final home game for key last year players Alyssa Poarch and the Dayes sisters, Coach Nemzer was choked up when asked about their impact and the foundation going forward. 

“We talked about Maryland legends, right? Those three are Maryland legends. They fought through a lot. So I’m proud to say that I coached them, and they were a big reason why I wanted to come to Maryland,” Coach Nemzer said. “But I think on and off the field they have so much Maryland pride. The next two games are about Maryland pride. The next two games are about making sure that we are inspiring the next generation; inspiring the youth to become like the Dayes sisters, to become like AP. Those three hold a special place in my heart.”

The Terps look to finish the season on a high note as they hit the road to take on the Indiana Hoosiers on Thursday and then the Purdue Boilermakers next Sunday.