Maryland Men's Soccer: Terps fall in OT Northwestern 3-2

While the loss to Georgetown was not a conference loss, it still was a disappointing defeat that encompassed a lot of Maryland's issues this season. Good spells, bad spells, but ultimately coming up short. Inconsistency has been this teams issue. Despite that however, they had a chance today to make it back to back wins in the Big Ten, and get some much needed momentum

First Half

The Terps got off to the worst possible start however, going behind 1-0 after 3 minutes. After a bit of a scramble in the box, NU's Henry Herrill turned it home with Zack Steffen unable to keep it out despite getting a hand too it. Maryland had the possession advantage over the next 10 minutes or so, including creating a chance off a free kick, but Meefout's header went high.

Unfortunately there back line was undone again, with some sharp combination play from Northwestern ending in a Joey Calistri goal. After just 12 minutes Maryland trailed 2-0. Maryland's young line-up was able to work themselves back into the game after going behind, and didn't seem to hang their heads despite the deficit. Their hard work was paid off and they earned a penalty kick with 20 minutes left in the half. Mael Corboz converted and the Northwestern lead was cut in half.

This seemed to give Maryland even more confidence and they continued to pressure Northwestern and dictate the play. They couldn't find any routes towards goal though, and the last 10 minutes were rather dull, the only real moment of action being Zack Steffen racing out on a 1 on 1 after Maryland cheaply gave the ball away at the back.

At half-time, the score was Northwestern 2-1 Maryland

Second Half

Maryland continued their possession advantage to start the second half, creating a half chance for Michael Sauers after Wallander-Ivanev played him in, but it was just out of the former's reach. Maryland's high pressing also put the Northwestern defense under pressure, and they were noticeably shaky playing the ball out from the back.

Maryland continued to dominate possession, and were really bossing the game in midfield. The move to bring Wallander-Ivanev on was a smart one, as it allowed Jeremy Raley to move up to midfield where he was very effective. However the recurring themes of lack of a final ball and the ability to carve out clear opportunities was again an issue. It was all slow developing despite Maryland's work in the midfield and dominating possession.

Maryland did finally create a clear cut chance with 16 or so minutes to go, but ironically it was off a Northwestern players head that the goal nearly came. Ivanev again got forward well at RB and put in a very good ball, that Nikko Boxall struggled to deal with. He nearly cleared it into his own net but it just slipped wide.

After the Maryland attack fizzled out over the next 10 minutes, they got their goal out of nothing. After some good interchanging play on the edge of the box, the ball came out to Sauers who put in a teasing ball towards Meefout at the far post. Meefout took it down well, cutting inside past the defender and poking home to level it up at two.

At full time the score was Maryland 2-2 Northwestern. We would need overtime to decide this one.

Extra Time 1

Northwestern struck controversially in extra time to pick up the 3 points. Missimo played a good ball down the wing for Calistri to chase after. Odoi-Atsem appeared to shield it effectively and let it roll out, but the refs said play on and Calistri cut it back for Missimo to tuck into an empty net. Northwestern 3-2 Maryland

The ball appeared to go out on replay, and the goal shouldn't have counted. Sasho Cirovski was incensed, and Zack Steffen wasn't pleased either. This was a big game for Maryland, and the ending was hugely disappointing after fighting back from 2-0 down.

Maryland is now 1-2-1 in the Big Ten and sits in 5th with 4 points. They return on Wednesday to take on VCU and their next conference game is vs Penn State next Sunday.