Maryland
3
1
Illinois
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland women's soccer team scored two goals in the opening five minutes and did not look back in a 3-1 victory over Illinois at Ludwig Field Thursday night.
The Terrapins (3-6-1, 1-1-0 Big Ten) were led by leading scorer Jarena Harmon, who increased her season tally to eight with a two-goal night. Junior Madison Turner added a pair of assists (career high) while junior Chelsea Jackson also notched a goal. Maryland scored three first half goals, its most in a first half this season.
“Both teams brought it,” head coach Ray Leone said. “That is what made the game so exciting. What a wonderful performance by our girls. That was fun. It was a good win for our program. We showed a good style of play tonight.”
The Terps struck first in the fourth minute. Turner received the ball in the midfield and slipped a perfect through ball to the feet of Harmon, who took one touch before slicing a right-footed shot past Michelle Denley.
Just over a minute later, Maryland was on the scoreboard again. Turner took the ball on the right sideline and made a driving run to the byline before serving in a pinpoint cross that Jackson headed in at the back post. The goal was the sixth of the season for Jackson, who has tallied in four of Maryland's last five games.
Illinois grabbed a goal back in the ninth minute. A failed clearance helped the ball drop to Allison Stucky who flicked the ball past Terrapin keeper Katelyn Jenson.
Maryland grabbed its two-goal lead back in the 24th minute. Freshman Jlon Flippens served in a dangerous free kick that sophomore Cassie Phillips headed off the post. Harmon found the rebound on a diving header and deftly redirected the ball into the back of the net. With the goal, Harmon surpassed her freshman season output of seven tallies.
Senior Lisa Bianchini had a golden chance in the 40th minute, getting around the keeper in the box only to see her effort cleared off the line by a Fighting Illini defender.
The second half started with a fantastic chance for Turner, but the junior was denied by a great save from substitute goalkeeper Claire Weatley. From there, Maryland's backline of freshman Julia New, senior Hope Gouterman, freshman Jlon Flippens and freshman Niven Hegeman kept Illinois at bay as the away side pushed for a goal.
Maryland's final chance came on the counter as Turner played the ball in to Harmon just over the midfield line. The sophomore proceeded to make a driving 40 yard run before seeing her shot saved in the box.
Jenson contributed seven saves to earn her second win of the season.
Maryland now has 17 goals for the season in 10 games, tying its entire season output of 17 last season (17 games). Harmon is the first Maryland player in history to score two goals in a Big Ten match and it the first time Maryland has scored three goals in a Big Ten win.
The Terrapins return to action Sunday afternoon against No. 21 Northwestern. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the action can be seen live on BTN Plus.
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