COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The Terps launched into their 2008 season this evening with an exhibition match against the visiting University of South Florida Bulls played on the pitch at Ludwig Field. Despite holding the lead for 80 of 90 minutes of play, the Terps watched the Bulls pulled ahead in the closing 10 to take a 2-1 victory back to the Sunshine State.

The #8 ranked Terrapins challenged the #17 ranked Bulls from the whistle and played strongly at midfield and in the attack zone. After 45 minutes of the play the Terps held the Bulls shotless in the first half while having fired 7 times against goalie Diego Restrepo.

Maryland's first score came off an unusual clearing situation started by a deflection in front of Restrepo. Omar Gonzalez chased down the loose ball that appeared to be heading out of bounds and into South Florida possession. As he headed towards the right back line Gonzalez used his right foot to flip the ball over his opponents and towards Jason Herrick on the left. Restrepo, positioned well to the right of the goal to guard against a shot by Gonzalez, left a yawning net waiting for Herrick. Herrick headed the ball into the upper left side of the goal for a 1-0 Terrapin lead with 15:32 remaining in the first half.

The second half tempo was more even-handed as both teams challenged each other in the attack zone. There were surprisingly few corner kicks (1 per team), but plenty of fouls to go around (9 called against each team) as the physicality of the game dramatically increased in response to the urgency created by the clock running low on time.

With just under 10 minutes left in regulation the Bulls struck off a free kick taken as a result of a foul near the Terrapin goal. Bernardo Anor lined up for the kick from outside the box on the right side. The Terps anticipated a shot or a pass towards the forwards inside the box but Anor flicked a 5 yard pass over to Kevon Neaves on his left. Neaves fired and the Terps attempted to get in front of it but were caught off guard in the confusion. Neaves goal made it a 1-1 game with 9:34 remaining.

Tied at one apiece it appeared as though both teams might be willing to leave Ludwig with a tie (but injury free) in anticipation of the start of their upcoming season. The Bulls dispelled any notion of that conclusion to the game with a turnaround goal two minutes later that shocked the Terrapins. After the Terps led or carried a tie for 82 minutes, the Bulls pulled ahead off a cross from Armante Marshall that found Bernardo Anor inside the box and open. Anor pushed the ball into the upper right of the net to give the Bulls a 2-1 lead.

The Terrapins on the field gathered in the backfield in a huddle and attempted to regroup. However, time and momentum favored the visiting Bulls and the Terps were unable to forge a tying goal in the closing 7:33. The Terps headed off the field disappointed by their late-game performance that unwound their 1-0 lead.

Maryland opens its home schedule with a contest against Hartford on Friday, September 5 at 8pm. Prior to the game the Lady Terps open their home schedule by facing the visiting American University team at 5pm.