The American University women's soccer team faced third-ranked Maryland on Wednesday night and came up on the short end of a 5-1 decision. The match, which was originally scheduled to be played in College Park, ended up taking place at the Germantown Soccerplex in Germantown, Md.

"I thought we competed very well tonight against a really good team," commented Head Coach Dave Bucciero. "I was happy with our effort and thought we defended well, especially in the first half. Maryland is a team that is capable of winning a national championship and their depth wore us down in the second half."

After a scoreless opening 25 minutes, Maryland (6-0-1) took the lead when Sade Ayinde received a pass from Megan Gibbons and slipped a shot past AU goalkeeper Klare Lazor. Later in the half, Ayinde again converted and took a 2-0 advantage into halftime.

The Terrapins continued to control the match in the second half, opening up a 4-0 margin before Jasmine Mohandesi got American (2-5) on the board with a 73rd minute goal, her second-career strike. The junior's score also marked the first goal that Maryland has allowed in its seven matches thus far this season.

Maryland added one final goal before the match was called with 4:02 remaining due to lightning in the area.

The Terps outshot AU, 18-5, with the Eagles' lone shot on goal coming on Mohandesi's goal. Lazor, meanwhile, made six saves in goal for American.

The Eagles will have the next nine days off before resuming their non-conference slate against Mount St. Mary's next Friday, September 16. Kick time from Reeves Field is slated for 4 p.m., and the match will be carried live on Eagles Vision TV.