Sep 1, 2013
Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Following an evenly played first half, #15 Maryland (4-0-0) used two late second-half goals to defeat Navy (2-2-0), 2-0, on Sunday, Sept 1 at Ludwig Field. The Midshipmen will look ahead to next weekend when they host Duquesne and St. Bonaventure in the Navy Invitational.
"I am really proud of our heart and fight that we showed on the field tonight," said Coach Gabarra. "We did very well in the air and played very organized as a team. I give a lot of credit to our backline, who believed in our game plan and executed well. It was a great effort against a good team."
Maryland held advantages in shots, 19-9, and in corner kicks, 5-3.
Navy and Maryland played a scoreless first half with an equal amount of offensive chances from both ends. The Terrapins held a slight edge in shots, 7-6, and corner kicks, 3-2.
Navy's defense held strong through the first 45 minutes. The Midshipmen's backline denied every volley and cross that entered the box to preserve the scoreless tie. Maryland's only look on net happened in the 25th minute. Hayley Brock got through the Navy defense and poked a shot to the near post but was sent away by Elizabeth Hoerner.
The Midshipmen's best look on net was in the 33rd minute. The Terrapin's Erika Nelson committed a foul just outside the 18-yard box and received a yellow card. Rachel Hunter was given the nod to take the free kick. Hunter bent her shot over the defensive wall, but unfortunately just grazed above the crossbar.
Navy came out attacking in the early minutes of the second half. Paloma Perez, in the 49th minute, found herself alone at the top of the Maryland box and sent a line drive which was batted away by Rachelle Beanlands. A couple minutes later, Ashlynn Soellner sent a through ball between two Terrapin defenders and found a streaking Perez. Perez collected the pass and tried to deke Beanlands, but a Maryland defender was able to knock the ball out of Perez's possession.
Through the next 20 minutes, Navy's backline stiffened up and forced Maryland attackers to shoot off target. In the 71st minute, Terrapin forward Cory Ryan found herself on a two-on-one counterattack. As Ryan moved into scoring range, Hoerner made a courageous diving stop to keep the score tied, 0-0.
However, a misplayed ball at midfield by Navy turned into another Maryland attack. Ryan sent a long pass to Gabby Galanti, who deked Hoerner at the top of the box and broke the scoreless tie. Then 10 minutes later, Terrapin forward Hayley Brock made a run into Navy's defensive third and finished with a strong low-liner passed Hoerner.
Maryland led 2-0 under three minutes to play and looked for more. Ashley Spivey sent her shot directly at Hoerner, who made a big save. The rebound of Spivey's shot found the foot of Spade Pritt, who tried to redirect it into the net. Hoerner picked herself up from the previous save and made another save to hold the score to 2-0 for the final.
