UMD Bounces Back Against Cal

In a pivotal game for the Terrapins, not even a torrential down pour could stop the young squad from redeeming themselves against a worthy opponent. They were able to top Cal 2-1 in OT.

Coming into Sunday night's game, the Terps needed some sort of spark after falling to UCLA in their last outing. That spark came in the form of Jason Herrick. The captain was all over the field as he made plays for his young team up top, making well timed runs with teammate Casey Townsend, and even playing solid defense in the back against pre-season Herman Trophy candidate Andrew Weideman.

Herrick struck in the first half with about 5 minutes gone by off a beautiful through ball by Kaour Forbess as he streaked past the Golden Bears' back line. Although the Terps were not able to score again, they continued the offensive onslaught, firing 11 shots in the first half against an inexperienced keeper in David Bingham.

With 7 of their top 8 scorers back from last season, California, the #8 ranked team in the nation, was not an easy victory. Just like last year, the Golden Bears came out strong in the second half, putting the pressure on the young, but talented defensive line of Maryland. Tangey and White provided excellent support for their defensive wings as they stuffed the middle of California's offensive side of the field. Macmath performed ably in goal, but one mental lapse in the second half almost cost the Terps the game. Dealing with the rain and an amped up California team, the Sophomore sensation nearly let a ball bounce off his hands and cross the goal-line after Cal evened up the score in the second half.

Both teams help up and seemed content to wait for overtime. Then Jason Herrick struck again as both teams were playing hit-and-run soccer. A pass sailed over midfield and Herrick out-ran every California defender and ripped a shot from 18-yards that found the back of the net, and allowed the Terps to bounce back from a season-opening loss.