COLLEGE PARK, MD — Despite a strong defensive showing from the Terps, Penn State (8-3-2, 3-2-1) beat Maryland (2-6-5, 1-5-0) in a well-fought Sunday afternoon match, 2-0.
The Terps held the Nittany Lions to their lowest goal total in their last three matchups, thanks to strong goalkeeping by Madeline Smith. Smith tallied six saves in the game, her second-highest amount of the season.
Maryland’s offense also kept Penn State’s defense on high alert, totaling 12 shots in the game.
Breaking Down the Action
- The match began with a back-and-forth battle for possession between the two teams.
- Terps goalkeeper Madeline Smith made a key save off of a Penn State corner kick in the 9th minute.
- A string of strong offensive possessions yielded four shots on goal, one each by Alina Stahl, Mia Isaac, Amanda Schafer, and Catherine DeRosa. Stahl’s near miss came off of an impressive passing attack close to the net.
- Penn State struck first, with a goal by Natalie Wilson in the 21st minute.
- Smith kept the net clear for the remainder of the first half, notching four saves and a critical deflection.
- In the final moments of the first half, Sofi Vinas beautifully placed a score off of a free kick that was called back due to an offsides penalty.
- Smith made a clutch save early in the second half, successfully anticipating a penalty kick by Penn State’s Ally Schlegel.
- Penn State extended their lead in the 52nd minute with a score by Cori St. Dyke off of a free kick.
- The Terps kept up the offensive pressure in the second half, with close shots…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at University of Maryland Athletics…