Maryland women’s soccer kick home season opener with a win against Georgia Southern

After a 4-10-5 record last season, Maryland women’s soccer kicked the season off on the right foot with a win against Georgia Southern. Maryland dotted the fresh page of the new season with a 2-1 win. 

The Terps started off the first half with strength and momentum with Maryland junior forward Mikayla Dayes’ assisted goal to redshirt sophomore forward Alyssa Poarch after stealing the ball and pushing pass the Eagle’s defense within the first two minutes of the first half.

The Terps had nine shots on goal in addition to back-to-back corner shots near the 35 min mark of the first half.

Dayes proved to be a threat to the Georgia Southern’s defense, coming close to scoring another goal for Maryland after breaking through Eagles defenders’ box. Poarch dominated the defense by cutting through defenders, giving herself a chance at back-to-back shots against Georgia Southern’s defense 20 minutes into the game. 

Vala Theoodrsdottir retaliated for the Eagles, blazing past Terps defenders to put one in the net with seven minutes left in the first half to tie the game 1-1. 

Maryland had 14 attempted shots on goal in the first half while Georgia Southern only had two.

The Terps continued the second half ferociously with Dayes speeding after a loose ball but falling short as her final touch spun right into the goal keeper’s hands. Moments later, Poarch took another chance but could not put another point on the board.

Later in the half, Dayes continued to drive her way down the field finally spotting an opportunity. Pulling away from defenders, she slid the ball left of the goalkeeper straight into the net, putting Maryland in the lead 2-1. 

Lightning delayed the final 20 minutes of the match for 35 minutes before the Terps headed back on the field to finish out the game for their season-open victory. 

Maryland will host New Jersey Institute of Technology at Ludwig Field 2 p.m Sunday.