The first 65 minutes of Thursday’s match were a disaster for Maryland women’s soccer. Defensive and goalkeeping blunders allowed Michigan to score a whopping four goals, tying the Terps’ high for concessions
this season, as the offense couldn’t provide any answers.
With a huge mountain to climb, the Terps knew they had to find a spark soon to prevent another huge loss. And after a huge score in the 67th minute, Maryland’s offense came alive. Another two goals in the next 12 minutes brought the Terps within striking distance.
But as the game clock ticked down, it became clear that Maryland had run out of gas, losing the match 4-3 and extending their losing streak to six games.
On Sunday, The Terps will face No. 25 Ohio State. Clinging on to a Big Ten Tournament berth, the Buckeyes look to snatch a win from Maryland after a comfortable 4-2 victory over Rutgers.
The game will begin at noon at Ludwig Field Sunday and will stream on Big Ten Plus.
Ohio State Buckeyes (7-2-6, 3-1-5 Big Ten)
2024 Record: 14-6-3, 6-3-2 Big Ten
Head coach Lori Walker-Hock has led the Buckeyes for nearly 30 seasons, having taken up the helm in 1997. Ohio State has racked up accolades during her tenure, earning three Big Ten Tournament titles and 18 NCAA Tournament appearances. Walker-Hock herself has been recognized for her talents, winning Big Ten Coach of the Year three times.
Ohio State will hope to close out the season well and continue their decorated history in this year’s tournament. The Buckeyes particularly excel on the road, with a 5-1-2 record away from home. They haven’t lost away from home since Aug. 21.
Players to watch
Amanda Schlueter, junior midfielder, No. 2 — Tied for fifth in the Big Ten with 15 points, Schlueter has repeatedly come in clutch during conference play. A goal at Rutgers and a game-winning assist against Oregon have been highlights of her breakout 2025 season; she will seek her seventh goal of the year at Ludwig Field.
Molly Pritchard, senior goalkeeper, No. 1 — Pritchard has made a case for being the best goalie in the Big Ten this year. She rarely allows a shot on goal into the net, with her 91.1% save percentage the best figure among all starting goalies in the conference.
Ava Bramblett, junior defender/midfielder, No. 4 — Starting all games both last and this season, Bramblett has cemented herself as a cornerstone in Walker-Hock’s backline scheme. Her versatility is key for the Buckeyes, as she is both a proven wall on defense and a surprising attacking contributor — her three goals are second-most in the squad.
Strength
Goal prevention. A tandem of brilliant goalkeeping and masterful defensive positioning has been crucial for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have only allowed seven goals across the entire season, and they have only allowed multiple goals once.
Weakness
Assists and passing. Ohio State ranks among the worst teams in the Big Ten in assists, with only 15. If premier scorers like Schlueter fail to provide individual sparks, scoring could become an issue.
Three things to watch
1. Can Luckey bounce back? The Terps’ goalkeeper had a disappointing performance against Michigan last time out, where she allowed four goals from only seven shots on goal. Luckey’s impressive high-save performances have kept Maryland in the mix in past games, and she will need to return to form against a hot Ohio State frontline.
2. Will frontline energy leak into Sunday? At the close of the Michigan match, Maryland’s frontline was firing at all cylinders. Head coach Michael Marchiano said that he expects that energy from his team across 90 minutes, and he will hope to convey the message to his forwards in the locker room.
3. Spoiler? Although the Terps are eliminated from postseason contention, they still have a chance to mix up the bracket. Dropped points against Maryland could spell trouble for the Buckeyes, forcing them into a potential do-or-die matchup against a talented Penn State team.
