Box Score COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Georgia Southern women's soccer team began its 2019 season in College Park, Maryland, Thursday night, falling 2-1 to University of Maryland.

Maryland scored in the first 90 seconds of play before the Eagles got in an aggressive mindset. Georgia Southern's first shot came from Vala Kristin Theodorsdottir in the fourth minute. The Eagles fought hard to keep Maryland from scoring again in the first half. The Blue and White benefited from an own goal by UMD in the 38th minute bringing the score to 1-1 to end the half.

For the beginning of the second half, Georgia Southern was able to control the field. UMD's Mikalya Dayes scored in the 72nd minute, allowing Maryland to pull ahead of the Eagles 2-1. Just seven minutes later in the 79th minute, the game was stopped for lightning in the area. The delay lasted 45 minutes. When the players got back on the field, the Eagles ran out of time trying to score to re-tie the game. 

MATCH FACTS
University of Maryland (1-0-0) - 2
Georgia Southern (0-1-0) – 1

SCORING
1' – UMD – Alyssa Poarch (1) 
38' – GS – Own goal by UMD
72' - UMD – Mikalya Dayes (1)

NOTES
- Five players made their regular season debuts for the Eagles 
- Maryland outshot the Eagles 20-4 on the evening
- Lauren Karinshak had six saves for the Eagles

WHAT INTERIM HEAD COACH JOSH MOFFET SAID
"It was a great test against a very strong Maryland team, who are great competitors in the Big Ten. I am proud of the efforts tonight from the whole team. It was tough to go down early, but the team stuck together and showed the fight to get back into it. We're looking forward to playing in front of Eagle Nation on Sunday"
 
NEXT UP
The Eagles come home for their home opener in Savannah on Sunday. Georgia Southern will face The Citadel at 6 p.m. on the Armstrong Soccer Field. 

Tickets for Sunday's game can be found here. Season tickets are still available here – one season ticket will get fans into both men's and women's home matches.