Maryland
West Virginia
No. 15 West Virginia Edges Maryland, 1-0
8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland women's soccer team came on strong in the second half, but fell 1-0 to No. 15 West Virginia at Ludwig Field Friday night.
The Terrapins (2-1-0) saw their best chances come in the final 45 minutes, including a Sarah Molina volley from 20 yards that flashed just wide. West Virginia (2-1-0) capped off its first half showing with a goal that proved to be the difference.
“I was really pleased with our second half,” head coach Jonathan Morgan said. “I thought we had a good mentality in warm ups but we became a little nervous in the first half. In the second half, we sorted it out.”
West Virginia knocked on the door for most of the first half before tallying in the 25th minute. Admadine Pierre-Louis struck a right footed shot that was parried by senior keeper Rachelle Beanlands right into the path of Kailey Utley, who tucked the ball home from point blank range.
Maryland found a couple of chances in the first half despite the Mountaineers' possession advantage. Junior Gabby Galanti almost found herself in front of the goal mouth after a one-on-one, but the ball was tackled away. Sophomore Alex Anthony's close range opportunity with defenders around her late in the half went wide.
The Terps found more of the ball in the second half. Galanti attempted an ambitious left footed effort from the right side that flashed across the face of goal in the 60th minute. Molina's volley came minutes later. Senior Riley Barger knocked the ball to Molina, but the senior's laser of a shot just missed tucking inside the right post.
Senior Sarah Fichtner gave the Terps another long range shot in the 70th minute, but Mountaineer goalkeeper Hannah Steadman was able to corral it.
Maryland's backline was pressured, but was able to make most of the West Virginia attacks end with long range shots. Beanlands notched six saves on the night.
The Terps return to action Sunday night against La Salle. Kickoff from Ludwig Field is scheduled for 7 p.m.
