COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Junior Lisa Bianchini scored in the 54th minute to help the Maryland women's soccer take down Michigan State, 1-0, at Ludwig Field Wednesday afternoon.
The Terrapins were able to execute its possession style with great effect and controlled large portions of the second half. The goal was the first of Bianchini's career.
“I feel great for the kids and our staff,” head coach Jonathan Morgan said. “We'll take it however we can get it. It's been a brutal last couple weeks physically and they are gutting it out. I'm just happy for the group.”
Maryland found its first opportunity of the opening half on an Alex Anthony drive over the net in the 12th minute. The remainder of the half saw both teams trade possession without a clear chance on goal.
The Terps found themselves on the front foot at the beginning of the second half and turned it into the opening goal off a set piece. Riley Barger drove an in swinging corner into the box that found the head of Maisie McCune, who headed the ball back to the front of goal. Anthony got a piece of the ball before Bianchini tapped the ball across the goal line.
The corner came off a goal-bound Barger shot that was blocked out of bounds.
After a spell on top for the Spartans, the Terrapins regained control in the final 25 minutes of the match. Sophomore Madison Turner saw a nice opportunity blocked in the 71st minute before a nice bit of team play set up Cassie Phillips for a shot that was saved.
Anthony created a couple of opportunities, but the Terps ultimately didn't need the insurance tally.
Senior Rachelle Beanlands tallied four saves behind a sterling performance from the Maryland back line. Senior Shannon Collins' especially shined, cutting out attacks throughout the match, especially late on as the Terps tried to close out the match. The back line limited the Spartans to very few true goal scoring opportunities.
Anthony tallied a game-high four shots and in the process broke the Maryland single-season record for shots previously held by Keri Sarver (1996). Anthony's 87 shots leads the conference and her assist give her 22 points for the year.
Maryland returns to action on Senior Night against Wisconsin at Ludwig Field Saturday night. Senior Night festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., before the match kicks off at 7 p.m.
-Terps-
