Olivia Wagner scored twice and added an assist for Maryland on Sunday in a 5-0 win over Towson. (Photo Credit: Ken L. Harriford)
After playing four games on the road to start the season, the University of Maryland kicked-off their home schedule with a resounding 5-0 victory over Towson University. Midfielder Becky Kaplan notched her fourth goal of the season to give Maryland the 1-0 lead in the 15 minute. Olivia Wagner played the free kick into defender Megan Gibbons, who had plenty of space on the right side. Gibbons made a run down the flank and sent in a cross. The ball found Kaplan, who tapped in for the score.
Thirty minutes later, midfielder Olivia Wagner doubled Maryland’s lead with a rocket. Forward Gabby Galanti sent the ball into Wagner who made a nice move to avoid a defender. Wagner then fired a shot into the upper 90, where the goal keeper couldn’t reach.
Maryland midfielder Ashley Spivey scored less than a minute into the second half to give Maryland the 3-0 advantage. Hayley Brock sent the ball to Spivey on the right, who then sent a shot into the left corner.
Wagner scored another in the 61st minute. Wagner’s second goal was of the unassisted variety, as she collected Towson’s attempted clearance and then sent in another rocket from long range.
Brock further extended the Terps’ lead to 5-0 in the 65th minute. Both sides made ample substitutes in the final 20 minutes as the deficit was too much for Towson to overcome.
The University of Maryland dominated possession after the first 15 minutes of play. Towson University forward Cheyenne Skidmore managed to create a few opportunities for Towson. The Tigers’ best chance of the game came in the 6th minute when Skidmore broke free from the Maryland defense. Luckily for Maryland, a defender caught up to Skidmore and tackled her.
Terps head coach Jonathan Morgan was pleased with the result and happy to get his young team some experience. Maryland started three freshmen — midfielders Ashley Spivey and Riley Barger, as well as defender Shannon Collins — and redshirt freshman Rachelle Beanlands in goal. Morgan said it is important to develop his young players. [MORE: Barger aims for more success at Maryland]
“They’re a very big part of our team,” he said. “We’re going to need those kids from now until the end of the year. The more minutes we can get them, the more confidence they can build up, the better it’s going to be for our team and our success.”
The University of Maryland next travels to take on the University of Alabama on Thursday. Towson will face George Washington University on Friday as a part of the Navy Invitational.
