COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Sophomore Alex Anthony scored just 13 seconds into the first half before tallying again in the second as the Maryland women's soccer team rolled past Navy, 2-0, at Ludwig Field Friday night.
Anthony has scored all three of the Terrapins' (2-0-0) goals this season after notching two all of last year. The Maryland backline was once against stout, allowing just six Navy shots.
“Overall, I'm really happy with how we moved the ball and created chances tonight,” head coach Jonathan Morgan said. “We did a terrific job defending. It was a really solid performance.”
Maryland struck in the blink of an eye when senior Amanda Gerlitz sent a long ball into the attacking half. Anthony muscled past a Navy defender and slid the ball past an outstretched Dayton Weatherby to put the Terps on top.
The 13-second tally is tied for the 20th fastest goal in NCAA history and is the fastest goal in an NCAA match since 2011.
The Terps controlled the run of play for the entire first half. Anthony almost notched her second in the 11th minute, but saw her header palmed away by Weatherby after a cross from junior Natasha Ntone-Kouo. Minutes later, freshman Cassie Phillips was the provider of a bullet cross just outside of the right side of the box, but Anthony's touch inside the box was turned away from right in front of the goal mouth.
Maryland's possession was once again the story in the second half as the Terps limited the Mids' opportunities to get back in the game. Senior Riley Barger slid a shot just wide from the left side of the box with 33 minutes left before Anthony blasted one wide from the top of the 18.
Barger and Anthony helped the Terps put the game away in the 65th minute. Senior Sarah Molina flicked on Barger's corner to the head of Anthony who popped the ball over the Navy defense. From that point the Terrapins used their possession to halt the Navy attack.
Maryland notched a total of 18 shots for the contest with 12 coming from Anthony. The backline was unchanged from Friday's win over Kent State and the Terps received solid shifts from seniors Shannon Collins, Kayla Shea and Amanda Gerlitz, along with junior Madison Turner.
Senior Rachelle Beanlands moved within six starts of breaking the all-time Maryland record for starts by a goalkeeper. The 2-0 win was the 16th clean sheet of her career.
Freshman Darby Moore made her career debut while junior Lisa Bianchini played a game-high 23 minutes off the bench.
Maryland returns to action Friday against nationally ranked West Virginia. Kickoff from Ludwig Field is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on BTN2Go.
Alex Anthony Goal
Jonathan Morgan
Alex Anthony
