COLLEGE PARK, MD –  A late goal in regulation forced Maryland (4-3-4, 0-1-2)  to settle for a draw against Northwestern (5-4-1, 1-1-1), 1-1. 

With two defenders draped around her back in the 53rd minute, Alyssa Poarch managed to keep possession of the ball before finding a breaking Sefcik towards the top of the box. Poarch's pass found Sefcik's right foot just as the American goalie was converging on the play. The netminder was too late though as Sefcik's shot found the back of the net, giving the Terps a 1-0 lead. 

As she's done the last few games, Madeline Smith replaced Liz Brucia with head coach Ray Leone wanting to get the junior more meaningful game-action. After Brucia wasn't forced to make any saves, Smith was called upon twice to make key saves for her team and she answered the call each time. The final ten minutes of the game were a physical affair as both team's kept stopping and starting because of the persistent fouls. The pace benefited the Maryland defense as Malikae Dayes, Olivia Hicks, and Zora Jackson all locked in to stop any Wildcat opportunities. They couldn't keep them off the board for the entire game as Northwestern got one back with just 21 seconds remaining in regulation.


Up Next

• The Terps make the trip to Iowa City where they'll take on the Iowa Hawkeyes on Sept. 30 at 7 pm.