Maryland field hockey falls to Boston College, 2-1, at Big Ten/ACC Cup

For the second time this weekend, Maryland field hockey faced an opponent with a high-powered offense and were so busy defending they didn’t get close to scoring until much later in the game.

Two days after falling 2-0 against No. 2 Duke, the Terps dropped their second game of the season against No. 12 Boston College, 2-1, in the Big Ten/ACC Cup.

Boston College’s early offensive barrage began less than 10 minutes into the first half after freshman midfielder Caroline McGovern scored on a shot toward the low post off of a breakaway run, her second of the season. From then, the Eagles attempted five more shots, and forced two saves from Maryland goalkeeper Sarah Holliday throughout the remainder of the half.

It wasn’t until seven minutes into the second half that Maryland had its first shot on goal, forcing BC goalkeeper Sarah Dwyer’s first save of the game. The Terps would then go on to attempt three more shots, and it seemed as though the offense was finding its form.

The momentum was put on pause 10 minutes into the second half when BC capitalized on its first offensive position and doubled its lead thanks to a goal from freshman Fusine Govaert, her first of the season.

But the Terps didn’t forget what they had built up beforehand. With 18:56 left, sophomore defender Bodil Keus scored her second goal of the season off of a penalty corner.

Unfortunately, Maryland wasn’t able to add another goal to their total, despite outshooting the Eagles 11-3 in the second half and emptying its net with 4:32 left in the game. The Terps fall 1-2 on the season and end their Big Ten/ACC Cup campaign winless.

The team will look to rebound after this less-than-stellar weekend on Friday when the Terps host Towson for the Terrapin Invitational.

Three things to know

1. Maryland struggles to score first. In all three of their games this season, the Terps gave up the first goal of the game, which does not bode well for facing any higher-powered offenses from here on out.
2. The bright spot came from the offense this time. The Terps weren’t playing on their heels for 70 minutes like they did against Duke. Their offensive charge in the second half was unlucky to score from the amount of opportunities they had, but at least they set themselves up for those chances to begin with.
3. Bodil Keus is the surprise star of the game. Despite not being named to any preseason watch lists, the sophomore defender was responsible for nearly a third of the Terps’ shots and helped Maryland hold Boston College to only three shots in the second half.