No. 9 American Falls to No. 2 Maryland at Home, 4-0

Terrapins hold AU scoreless for the first time this season, breaking its eight-game win streak

Sept. 19, 2007

WASHINGTON - No. 9 American University field hockey had its eight-game win streak snapped by No. 2 Maryland on Wednesday afternoon after the Terps earned a 4-0 victory at the William I Jacobs Recreational Complex.

After American University started the first with fire in its step, earning two penalty corners early, Maryland's Katie O'Donnell shifted the momentum and scored her ninth goal of the season. The Eagles had opportunities to lock the game at one on two more penalty corners, but were unable to capitalize and it was the Terrapins who struck again. After Irene Schickhardt (Ludwigsburg, Germany/Schiller) beat three defenders and drove through the circle, she was awarded the Eagles' final penalty corner of the first frame. After a mishandling of the insert at the top of the circle, the Terps counterattacked and earned a penalty stroke. AU goalkeeper Alyssa Poorman (Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks South) guessed wrong and Susie Rowe's stroke found the back of the net.

Down by two to start the second, American University looked to battle back. Similar to the first, the Eagles earned two penalty corners in the opening minutes. Still unable to connect, Maryland regained control and made American pay, netting its third goal of the day in the 46th minute. With the air taken out of them, the Terrapins continued to apply pressure to the Eagles' defense, with Nicole Muracco scoring with under three minutes to play. Denise Infante (Santiago, Chile/Santiago) was the story for American, leading the Eagle transition and posting a team-high four shots.

Both teams had their chances with American University outshooting Maryland 11-10. However, the Terrapins netted four of five shots on goal, while AU was held to a season-low three shots on goal and suffered its first shutout of the season. AU held the 9-3 advantage in penalty corners.

American University field hockey falls to 8-1-0 on the season, while Maryland remains undefeated and improves to 8-0-0. The Eagles return to action on Sunday at 1 p.m. when they host St. Joseph's University.