Maryland women’s soccer blanked on road by Ohio State, 1-0

Ohio State midfielder Olivia Petit slowed her paced on the left wing as she received the ball. With Maryland women’s soccer midfielder Jlon Flippens jogging over to guard her, Petit sent a chip shot over Flippens to the Terps’ far post.

Petit’s shot bent and went over Maryland goalie Andi Wenck’s head for the first and only score of the night, and Petit’s first goal of the season. The Terps were unable to overcome the early deficit, as Ohio State won 1-0 in Columbus.

The Buckeyes controlled the ball for the majority of the first period, but every time they attempted to make deep passes into the box or penetrate Maryland’s defense, the Terps would swallow them.

Wenck was making her second career start in place of senior Erin Seppi and did not see many early shots due to her defense’s strong presence. Wenck finished with one save in the fist half before she was replaced by freshman keeper Nicole Kwoczka, who appeared more assertive in goal for the Terps.

Maryland forward Alyssa Poarch started the game aggressive for the Terps, registering six shots in the first half. The redshirt sophomore was able to place three of those shots on goal, but Ohio State goal keeper Bailey Kolinski saved each one.

Kolinski was substituted out at halftime by fellow keeper Jordan Silkowitz. The duo finished with five saves combined.

The Terps registered five corner kicks in the game but did not convert on any of them, a struggle that continues to hurt the team.

Although Maryland generated plenty of offensive opportunities in the first half, registering nine shots, the team was unable to translate their efforts into tallies. The Terps offensive struggles continued in the second half, mostly due to the inability to clear the ball, and finished the game with a total of 14 shots.

Poarch, Maryland’s leading scorer, registered five shots in the first 15 minutes of play but only had three shots for the remainder of the game.

Three Things to know

1. Maryland keeper Erin Seppi was a no-show. After starting 10 matches this season, Seppi did not make an appearance in goal for the Terps in Columbus. Stepping into her place was redshirt junior Andi Wenck, who had her first career start two games prior on Senior Day against Minnesota. She replaced in the second half by freshman Nicole Kwoczka, making her first collegiate appearance. The two ended with four saves.
2. Terps remain winless against the Buckeyes. Prior to this game, Ohio State had a 4-0-2 record against Maryland in the series history, including last year’s matchup on Oct. 14, 2018 that ended in a 1-1 draw. Tonight was no different at the Buckeyes took an early lead and never looked back.
3. The streak stops at two, again. For the second time this season, Maryland went on a two-game win streak and was immediately halted thereafter. The first time came at the beginning of the season when the Terps beat Georgia Southern and NJIT but were blown out by Auburn. Tonight, Ohio State not only ended the Terps streak but gave them their second Big Ten loss of the season.