WASHINGTON, DC – In its 2023 season opener, Maryland women's soccer finished with a 0-0 draw with American in what proved to be a defensive battle. 

Neither team was able to generate many offensive chances with both defenses locking down all afternoon. Both teams notched three shots on goal. 

Transfer Liz Beardsley made her first start as a Terp and finished with two saves en route to a shutout. 

Breaking Down The Action

• After the first 45 minutes for the Terps and the Eagles, both teams were deadlocked at 0-0 as neither team was able to get on the scoreboard. Each team had one shot on goal at the midway point.
• The second half was more of the same in terms of stout defense on both sides. 

Newbies Making A Mark

• 14 players made their Maryland debut, 5 transfers and 6 freshmen.
• Six of the starters were transfers: Katie Coyle, Lauren Wrigley, Liz Beardsley, Eden White, Kat Parris, and Caroline Koutsos
• Seven freshmen made their debut: Madison Krakower and Kennedy Bell started the match for the Terrapins. Isabel DiPrima, Hannah Schapiro, Peyton Bernard, and Lisa McIntyre came on as subs in the first half. Courtney McClure came on as a sub in defense in the second half.
• Kelsey Smith, who missed all of 2022 due to an injury, also made her Maryland debut.

Season Opener Success

• The Terps are unbeaten in their last seven season openers.
• Maryland is now 20-4-5 in its season openers since 1995

Coach Nemzer's Take
"I was excited to get the first game going, but I think what I am most excited for is the growth of the team. We had eight new faces in the starting lineup and three returners. A lot of youngsters and newcomers showed a lot of promise. I'm excited to get back on the training ground and work on a few things as far as composer in the final third. I was really happy that we got our shutout, and we talk about bend but don't break. I thought they did a good job in the last five minutes dealing with late game moments. I'm just really excited to work on better relationships and putting the ball in the back of the net."

Liz Beardsley on the Defense's Performance
"They make my job so easy, they are the ones that do all the hard work. I love playing with them. I think we spent a lot of time this week working together as a unit, and I think that really showed today. I know defense can't win a game, but with the shutout I feel it really speaks to our performance. Kennedy Bell is insane on the attack and the same is true for Katie Coyle. The back line win every long ball and they make my job so easy. I love working with them."

Up Next

• The Terps return to action on Sunday, Aug. 20 when they travel to Gainesville, FL to battle Florida at 6 pm. The game will air on SEC Network Plus.