Still searching for a score, Maryland nabbed a free kick opportunity in the 86th minute just outside the box as Kelsey Smith was trucked on a juke attempt. Emily Lenhard’s cross was deflected right in front
of Eva Mowery, who was completely turned around in the box.
The attacker failed to convert the late opportunity, prompting a collective groan of dismay from the home crowd.
In a gritty, defensive contest, Maryland women’s soccer squeaked out a scoreless draw in its final game of the 2025 season.
The Terps quickly took possession, as Smith earned a corner kick on a blocked cross in the first minute. Lenhard struck the ball toward the back post and found Smith, who headed the ball to Rutgers goalkeeper Olivia Bodmer for her first save of the game.
Both frontlines were active early. Julia Joseph sent a low shot right at Faith Luckey, who handily snagged the attempt in the third minute.
The game’s first foul occurred in the 12th minute. Joseph shoved attacker Mowery to the turf, prompting a quick whistle from the officials. Ava Morales lined up at the top of the box, charged forward and sent a left footed shot clanging off the crossbar.
Morales and Smith launched a counterattack seven minutes later, driving down the left side and evading defenders with multiple clean passes. Smith finally settled behind the ball, sending a left-footed rocket into a host of Scarlet Knight defenders that was easily cleared away. Another high shot from Lisa McIntyre in the 23rd minute led to further groans from the bleachers.
Both coaches attempted a multitude of offensive substitutions through the first half, but neither team could break through the other’s proficient backline. Rutgers maintained possession for 62 percent of the half but couldn’t find an opening to capitalize — Luckey made two crucial diving saves in the 28th and 41st minutes, respectively.
The Terps entered the half having been outshot again. Despite the 9-4 disparity, the match remained uncertain, as neither team was able to gain a clear advantage.
Rutgers earned an early corner opportunity at the start of the half but missed its chance as Olivia Russomanno sent her cross far beyond the right post. Ashley Baran launched the 10th shot of the match for the Scarlet Knights, sending the ball high-right once more in the 51st minute, before Abigail Cox launched another moonshot in the 53rd.
The Terps began to get restless. Smith made a brilliant move down the left side and fooled two defenders before launching a long-range missile right at the chest of Bodmer. The keeper fumbled the save before crawling to corral it, just before Mowery could connect.
Baran logged the lone yellow card of the match in the 61st minute, appearing to accidentally cleat Taryn Raibon’s left foot following a clear attempt. The Maryland defender went down again minutes later, this time clutching her right ankle as she was tripped up defending a dangerous shot from Allie Post.
Smith’s third shot was taken from just outside the penalty box, slotting the ball barely wide of a nearly unprotected goal after expertly evading a swarm of defenders in the 67th minute. The Terps continued to force the play, with multiple promising midfield passes skidding into Scarlet Knight boots. Players looked for scoring chances that simply didn’t materialize.
The ball first found the net in the 80th minute, as Post was able to nudge the ball in off an excellent deep cross. However, the goal was disallowed, as Post was deemed offside after an extensive VAR stoppage.
Yet another Maryland player went down in the 82nd minute as Sam Winer fell following a defensive header. She continued to play, but fell once more and was removed from the match a minute later in place of Ella Bulava.
A save from Luckey in the fleeting seconds sealed the scoreline as Maryland withstood the storm and grabbed its first draw of the season.
Three things to know
1. First draw. Despite a disappointing offensive performance, Maryland nabbed its first draw of the season in a match full of jockeying, blocking and missed shots. Although the Terps couldn’t secure a win, the stalemate snapped their seven-game losing streak to end the season on a better note despite being outshot 19-7.
2. Return of the shutout. After starting the season with three consecutive shoutout victories, the Terps faltered throughout the season, especially on the defensive front. Today’s draw marked Maryland’s first shutout since its Aug. 21 win over UMBC.
“I think the group defended well,” said head coach Michael Marchiano. “We had a lot of numbers behind us and were difficult to break down. I really hope that we can have more clean sheets moving forward in the Big Ten.”
3. Final thoughts. As her final season came to a close, captain Ava Morales was full of thoughts and mixed emotions after an up-and-down season.
“This is probably the hardest [season] I’ve had, but also probably the best,” said Morales. “I feel like I’ve made best friends for life. I can’t wait to cheer on all the people on the team next year.”
