Offensive struggles have hurt Maryland women’s soccer

In his 22-year coaching career, Ray Leone said he’s never seen a scoreless streak like the one his current Maryland team is going through.

The Terps haven’t scored in 461 minutes and 27 seconds. They’ve been shut out in five straight games, their longest streak since 2006.

“It’s just an incredible experience to be 0-fer all these games in a row,” Leone said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s not fun.

Earlier in the season, Maryland’s offense was a real strength. After scoring just 17 times last year, the Terps matched that total in just 10 games this season. Since a 3-1 victory over Illinois on Sept. 22, Maryland has scored just four goals in eight games.

“It’s just weighing on the team,” Leone said. “They’re probably trying too hard.”

He also said the team would play much better if they could put the streak behind them, but once you get down a goal, the thought comes back again.

Early in the season, the Terps were running their offense through transfers Jarena Harmon and Chelsea Jackson. But the duo has struggled lately, and the team’s offense has gone down with them.

In Friday’s 2-0 loss to Iowa, Harmon had the ball on the right side of the box and was looking to make a move past a defender, like she’d done on her way to numerous goals this season. But Harmon couldn’t make the final move, and an Iowa defender kicked the ball away.

Teams have also started to stop Maryland’s counter attacks, which is how the team scored in the early part of the season. Redshirt freshman midfielder Darby Moore said opponents have been more prepared for their counters, but the team has been trying to find other ways to play.

“It’s just us trying to play our best, and not just rely on one type of attacking style,” Moore said.

According to Moore, the only thing the team can do is remain positive and keep working hard to get that elusive goal.

“We just have to keep pushing through it and put as much effort into each and every play, and hope it falls your way.”

Maryland has just one game left to snap the streak before heading into the offseason, a Wednesday night matchup at No. 13 Minnesota.

“We have no other choice,” Leone said. “We have to get on the plane, go to Minnesota, and play as hard as we possibly can.”