By Heerah Jayakumar

Maryland women’s soccer lost 2-0 to Penn State on Sept. 18, struggling to play on offense and keep up with other Big Ten programs.

This was Penn State’s 13th straight win against Maryland, and they maintained defensive control throughout the game.

“We are playing against really high-level teams in the Big Ten, and that’s not going to change from year to year,” Maryland coach Michael Marchiano said. “So we have to defend perfectly, and so we’re going to continue to strive to do that from game to game.”

Penn State attempted six shots in the game’s first seven minutes, including five on target. Maryland goalkeeper Faith Luckey kept the game close early on, finishing the game with eight saves.  

While the Terps had effective counterattacks, Penn State stayed aggressive throughout the game and had significantly more successful shots, with 10 of their 11 on target while four of Maryland’s six were on goal.

“I think we played against a better team tonight,” Marchiano said.  “They deserve credit. They deserve to win the game.” 

Forward Paige Kalal scored Penn State’s first goal in the 19th minute. Midfielder Paige Pasinski scored in the 62nd minute on a goal Kalal assisted.

Former Washington Spirit player and Penn State alum, Joanna Lohman was excited to see her former team play again, but from a different perspective than before — alongside her family. 

“I have not seen a game probably in close to two decades. So to be here tonight, get to bring my daughter and allow her to watch the next generation of superstars, and get to share it with my wife, it was very special,” Lohman said. 

Lohman felt the Penn State win was well deserved. 

“I do not know the team, so I can’t necessarily speak to individual performances and how they prepared, but I felt like Penn State was a better team through and through,” Lohman said . 

To improve in their following games, the Terps need to respond effectively on offense and overcome any initial territorial strikes. Maryland will look to bounce back on Sept. 24 in its game against Wisconsin.

Featured Image: Ludwig Field on Sept. 18, where Maryland women’s soccer lost to Penn State, 2-0. Photo by Heerah Jayamkumar.