The University of Maryland, Baltimore County women’s soccer team lost 3-1 to the Vermont Catamounts in its America East Conference opener Sunday afternoon at Virtue Field in Burlington, Vt. UMBC entered the match with a 6-3-2 overall record and finished the day 0-1 in conference play, while Vermont moved to 3-4-2 overall and 1-0 in America East.
Vermont Scores Twice in 42 Seconds
UMBC nearly opened the scoring in the 14th minute when sophomore midfielder Zoe Brossman sent a curling cross toward senior Payton Schenning. Schenning made a run into the box but narrowly missed connecting with the ball.
Vermont then scored twice in a 42-second span. Aubrey Bough opened the scoring at 16:21 after Emma Watson delivered a short corner into the penalty area, and Eleni Stowell followed with a strike from 30 yards.
Hailey Ahmed Pulls UMBC Within One
UMBC answered in the 23rd minute when freshman forward Brooke Clagett forced a corner kick with a run down the left side. Schenning delivered the ensuing set piece into the box, where sophomore defender Hailey Ahmed scored to make it 2-1.
The goal was Ahmed’s second tally of the season, while Schenning recorded her first assist. Vermont restored its two-goal lead in the 55th minute when Della Weir finished a ball from Bough.
Late Chance Denied by Vermont Goalkeeper
With nine minutes remaining, UMBC created one last promising chance. Freshman Bryce Sarver sent a dangerous cross into the area where sophomore Cami Mink directed a close-range header, but Vermont goalkeeper Sophia King stopped the attempt.
Vermont Holds Statistical Advantage
Vermont outshot UMBC 14-7 and held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. UMBC goalkeeper Amara Codd made six saves, while King recorded four saves for the Catamounts.
UMBC will host New Hampshire on September 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
UMBC responded after Vermont’s two-goal burst with Ahmed’s goal in the 23rd minute, but Weir’s second-half goal gave the Catamounts control of the match. Vermont also maintained the statistical edge in shots and corner kicks while securing a 3-1 conference-opening victory.
Source: Original report
