Maryland women’s soccer falls to Penn State, 2-0, for third straight defeat

Maryland women's soccer returned home from a winless West Coast trip for its Big Ten home opener against Penn State, but the Hollywood script largely stayed the same for the Terps.

After falling behind from an early goal, Maryland's offense struggled throughout, en route to a third straight shutout in a 2-0 defeat to the Nittany Lions.

Penn State's offense barraged the Terps' goal with chances right out of the gate. Within the first seven minutes, the Nittany Lions had attempted six shots — five coming on goal.

It looked like Penn State would capitalize on its offensive onslaught. Paige Pasinski beat Faith Luckey with a dribble move for what appeared to be an open shot on goal, but Paige Foye stepped in front to block Pasinski's shot.

Seconds later, Luckey made an outstanding defensive play of her own, diving to get her fingertips on the ball and deflect it out of bounds.

Maryland came back down with some offense of its own, something the Terps had been lacking in Big Ten play. McKinley Heaven and Dani Gichner each found space and fired shots that required Penn State goalkeeper Mackenzie Gress to make difficult saves.

After opening the game with a wave of offense, Penn State managed to break through the Terps' defense in the 19th minute. Luckey had recorded saves on the first five shots on goal, but Paige Kalal found the back of the net with the sixth.

"I think we started the game poorly." head coach Michael Marchiano said. "I think we lacked the organization and the coordination necessary to defend against a team like Penn State."

Despite the early offensive barrage, the Terps' defense found their footing during the remainder of the first half.

It looked like Maryland's defensive rhythm would remain coming out of the break, but after being held shotless to start the second half, Penn State took advantage of its first chance coming out of the break.

The Nittany Lions refound their crisp passing that aided the offensive attack in the first half, and after being denied on her first four shots, Pasinski found the back of the net to double Penn State's lead in the 62nd minute.

That lead nearly grew just minutes later, with Penn State awarded a penalty kick on a foul from Gichner in the box.

Aubrey Kulpa stepped up to take the shot, but Luckey was up to the task and saved the first penalty kick from an opponent this season.

Despite allowing multiple goals, Luckey put up a strong performance, something that has been a trend during Big Ten play. She made eight saves, including the penalty stop. However, again, Luckey was given no room for error from the Terps' attack.

"I think we need our goalkeeper to make big saves, and obviously the penalty kick… she comes up with a big save," Marchiano said. "As we're building this program and trying to increase our level, we need a goalkeeper who can make saves, keep us in games, and help us win games as we go forward."

Jolie Farmer, Maryland's top goalscorer, made her first appearance since Sep. 3 against Old Dominion. Farmer had missed time with injury, and in that stretch, the Terps' offense struggled mightily.

While Farmer did not make an impact in the first half, the Terps turned to her early and often in the second half.

As Maryland looked to create opportunities on offense, Farmer was at the heart of the efforts. She was the recipient of multiple passes on runs toward the Penn State box and stretched the defense to create open space but couldn't log a shot.

In the 57th minute, Farmer generated a chance for Lisa McIntyre, whose run resulted in the Terps' first chance of the second half, but McIntyre's shot went well wide.

Farmer subbed back into the game late into the second half, and after an extended period without any attacking pressure, the Terps' offense looked much better with her on the field.

Farmer had an opportunity of her own in the 86th minute, as she battled through contact to deliver a shot towards the Penn State goal that Gress saved.

Despite the addition of Farmer to the field, Maryland's offense struggled following its early opportunities. After opening the game with two early shots on goal, the Terps mustered just two more for the remainder of the game.

"Again, we need to be really efficient when we play these games." Marchiano said. "Nobody's given up here by any means. We're going to keep trying to improve, and that's the message to the girls."

1. Good signs from Jolie Farmer. While the Terps' offense struggled overall for a third straight game, Farmer looked good in her first game back from injury. Maryland is going to need her to regain her goalscoring form, but if she does, it could be the key breakthrough for the Terps' offense.

2. Multiple players return from injury. Farmer was not the only Terp that returned to make an impact after dealing with an injury. Taryn Raibon played just 16 minutes against Oregon after missing time but logged 41 minutes of play against the Nittany Lions. Raibon was a consistent starter before her injury and is a key piece for Maryland's defense.

3. Starting slow continues to cost the Terps. A recurring problem for Maryland this season has been slow starts that lead to deficits. That issue plagued the Terps again, and it cost them. Both sides of the ball will need to open the game better for Maryland to keep itself in games long enough to take advantage of any opportunities the Terps can get.