BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — Navy and Loyola Maryland canceled each other out Wednesday night, finishing 1-1 in a match that saw the hosts dominate possession but struggle to convert their chances. The Midshipmen, riding a three-game winless streak, equalized late in the first half through Jessica Black's 39th-minute strike to earn a point on the road. The draw leaves both teams searching for consistency as conference play intensifies.
Loyola Maryland struck first when Malia Tarazon finished in the 30th minute, assisted by Riley Kennel, giving the hosts an early advantage. The goal came after sustained pressure from the Greyhounds, who controlled much of the opening half. Navy responded with urgency, and Black's equalizer just before halftime shifted momentum. The goal came after Navy had weathered considerable pressure, with goalkeeper making eight saves across the 90 minutes to keep her team in the contest.
The first half belonged largely to Loyola Maryland, which generated 15 shot attempts compared to Navy's nine. Savannah Manset, Asma Merzougui, and Malia Tarazon all tested Navy's defense with dangerous efforts, though only Tarazon's found the back of the net. Navy's Hannah Mulholland and Kayana Adlam created occasional chances on the counter, but the Midshipmen's attack lacked the consistency of their hosts. The home side's nine shots on goal reflected their territorial advantage, yet they couldn't put the match away before the break.
Navy made significant adjustments at halftime, rotating six players to reshape their approach. The changes appeared to stabilize the defense, as Loyola Maryland's second-half opportunities became more sporadic. Francesca Khachatourians and Brigid McElderry both had chances to extend the lead, but neither could find the target. The Greyhounds' five corner kicks throughout the match failed to produce additional goals, a missed opportunity against a Navy side that looked vulnerable at times on set pieces.
The second half developed into a more balanced affair, with both teams trading possession and chances. Navy's defense tightened considerably after the interval, limiting Loyola Maryland's ability to create clear-cut opportunities. Mulholland continued to press for the visitors, while Merzougui remained a threat for the hosts. Neither team managed to break through, and the match settled into a cautious rhythm where neither side wanted to risk defeat.
Navy's defensive resilience proved the difference in earning a road point. The Midshipmen's goalkeeper made two saves in the second half, while Loyola Maryland's keeper was called upon just twice after intermission. Jordan Townsend received a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 67th minute, the match's only disciplinary action. The Greyhounds' five corner kicks and Navy's three represented the only real set-piece opportunities either team could manufacture.
Navy (9-6-4) extended their unbeaten streak to two matches with the draw, though they remain winless in their last three outings. The Midshipmen's defense held firm despite being outshot 15-9 overall, with goalkeeper making eight saves. Loyola Maryland (5-4-8) saw their struggles continue, failing to build on their early advantage and now winless in their last three games following losses to Colgate and Army West Point.
The result leaves both teams with work to do heading into their next fixtures. Navy returns home to face a crucial conference matchup, while Loyola Maryland will look to rediscover their winning form at home. Neither side will be satisfied with the draw, but both showed enough defensive organization to suggest they can compete at this level.