WASHINGTON – With a strong showing on defense, American University women's soccer (0-0-1, 0-0-0 Patriot League) opened the 2023 season with a 0-0 draw against local Big 10 opponent the University of Maryland. The draw today marks the first time in program history that the Eagles have held the Terrapins scoreless.
 
QUICK NOTABLES

• Freshmen Bella Vozar, Bella Miller, and Lily McBride all made their first collegiate starts in Thursday's contest.
• Freshmen Kendall Henderson and Lailah Stewart, and junior transfer Jennifer McGuire also made their American debuts.
• Junior Julia Kato recorded her eighth career shutout, putting her one away from moving into the top-five all-time career shutouts. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both squads started off strong, each firing off a shot through the opposing team's defense, but Maryland's shot was scooped up by Kato and American's shot went over the top of the net.
• The Eagles continued to take shots at the Terps goalkeeper, outshooting the visitors 7-1 in the first half, but none found the back of the net to send the game into halftime 0-0.
• Maryland had the first chance of the second half to put a score on the board in the 57^th minute but Kato was there to make the save and keep the game 0-0.
• American had an opportunity of its own in the 67^th minute from Stewart but the Terps goaltender made the save to keep the game scoreless.
• While none found the back of the goal, the Eagles had four good chances to net a game winner off corner kicks late in the second half.
• The Terps made one final attempt to head home with a win in the 75^th minute, sending the ball into the steady hands of Kato.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• American held the 10-3 shot advantage while the Eagles and Terrapins recorded three shots on goal. Seven of the Eagles shots came in the first half.
• The Eagles held the 5-2 corner kick advantage.  
• Two cards were handed out in the game, both to Maryland.
• Sophomore Avery Klingensmith led the Eagles in shots with three and two on goal.
• Junior Julia Kato totaled three saves in her season debut. 

POSTGAME WITH COACH HARPER


UP NEXT

• American travels to Pittsburgh, Pa. on Sunday for an afternoon test against Duquesne. 

KEEP UP WIH US

• For the latest on American University Women's Soccer, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_WSoccer), Facebook (AU.WSoccer) and Instagram (@au.wsoccer).