The No. 4 Maryland men’s lacrosse team scored four goals in the final seven minutes of play to force overtime but ultimately fell short against visiting Villanova, 13-12, Saturday at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium.
The Terrapins trailed by a five-goal deficit three separate times in the game, but showed great resolve in fighting back against the Wildcats. Senior Jon Garino, Jr., played a major role in Maryland’s turnaround, winning 15-of-18 faceoffs and collecting 13 ground balls.
Maryland’s dramatic four-goal run was led by senior attackman Matt Rambo, who scored three consecutive unassisted goals. Junior Tim Rotanz then tied the game, 12-12, with 27 seconds remaining. The Terrapins won the ensuing faceoff and thought they had scored the game-winner in regulation, but the officials ruled Jared Bernhardt in the crease.
The Terps struggled to get their footing in the early goings, as they trailed 6-1 midway through the second quarter. Maryland managed to close the half on a 3-1 run, however, with Ben Chisolm, Connor Kelly and Rambo each finding the net. It was Chisolm’s first goal since 2015.
Villanova had an answer for each of Maryland’s comeback attempts in the third quarter, managing to pull ahead just enough to keep a manageable lead. Maryland’s four-goal run with seven minutes remaining to force overtime turned the tide, however.
Maryland won the faceoff in overtime and had an opportunity to win, but Rambo’s game-winning bid sailed wide. Danny Seibel then scored the game-winner at the other end for the Wildcats.
Rambo finished the game with four goals, moving him past Maryland legends Pete Worstell (1977-81) and Frank Urso (1973-76) for fourth on Maryland’s all-time goal-scoring list with 128. Rambo also needs just three more points to become the fifth player in Maryland history to reach 200 career points.
Garino’s 15 faceoffs wins was his most since he had 17 victories against Robert Morris on April 2, 2014. He only took five faceoffs in the entire 2016 season.
The Terrapins return to action next Saturday when they face North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., in a rematch of the 2016 NCAA Championship. The game is set for 11:30 am and will be broadcast on ESPNU.
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