By: Henry Quach
Madison, WI — Maryland women’s soccer was outplayed on Sunday afternoon, falling 5-0 at the hands of Wisconsin.
The Terps defense was tested almost immediately, with a shot from defensive midfielder Ashley Martinez. The Badgers senior dragged her effort wide, but the early chance was a precursor of what was to follow.
A disconnected Wisconsin pass rolled straight to defender Peighton Steffen in the eighth minute. She struck home the opening goal amidst a scrambling Maryland defense. It was the first of many scores for the home side.
Sustained offensive momentum continued for Wisconsin, but the Terps didn’t back down.
Maryland’s defense pressured a pair of shots in the 13th and 15th minutes, causing two high misses from the Badgers.
Terps goalkeeper Liz Beardsley notched her first save in the 15th minute, keeping the deficit at one. Wisconsin broke through just three minutes later.
The Badgers doubled their lead from a corner. An inswing ball was lofted in, before being headed down and finished off by sophomore Erin Connolly.
Maryland’s offense was shut down throughout the early stages of the match. The Terps notched their first shot opportunity in the 28th minute, as senior midfielder Lauren Wrigley flashed an attempt over the crossbar.
Momentum remained with Wisconsin, as it continued pressuring the Terps defense. The Badgers took several more shots, but couldn’t connect on any, as the score stayed 2-0 in favor of the home team.
Maryland’s offense pushed forward with marginally more rhythm to start the second half. Scoring chances didn’t materialize from this collection of attacking moves, and Wisconsin’s offense soon took advantage.
The Badgers increased their lead with a third score in the 64th minute, virtually putting the result beyond doubt. That didn’t stop Wisconsin from adding on.
A foul in Maryland’s box gifted the Badgers a spot kick in the 79th minute. Martinez converted from 12 yards out, for her second goal — and Wisconsin’s fourth — of the afternoon.
Wisconsin nearly added a fifth just two minutes later, but Beardsley stepped up for her second save.
The Badgers continued attacking until the very end, manifesting in one final score with just three seconds remaining. Freshman Jenna Baumann turned in the look — her first career goal — sealing Wisconsin’s 5-0 victory.
Maryland’s offense was completely shut down by the Badgers. The Terps recorded just three shots and failed to hit any of those looks on target. Wisconsin, on the other hand, controlled the flow of the game with 19 shots — seven were put on goal.
Maryland looks to cap the 2024 campaign with a bounce-back next Sunday. The Terps travel to Piscataway, NJ, to face Rutgers in their final game of the season.
