Far too often, Maryland women’s soccer has ended its season the same way it did Sunday — with no postseason hopes and a finale that carried little meaning.

The Terps (6-11-1) tied Rutgers, 0-0, at Ludwig Field in their season finale. In a matchup between two of the worst teams in the Big Ten, both ended their season in unspectacular fashion.

With no potential of a postseason appearance for either team, the game had a lethargic feel to it throughout. The tie was Maryland’s first of the season, as it entered Sunday as the only team in the Big Ten without one.

Unfortunately for the Terps, they’ve played in this type of finale plenty of times. Maryland’s postseason hopes have often been diminished before the season finale, as it hasn’t made the Big Ten tournament since 2019.

Meanwhile, the Scarlet Knights advanced all the way to the tournament’s championship game last year, losing to UCLA. But Rutgers has regressed this season, winning just one of its past seven games.

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The Scarlet Knights did win their last game against Michigan, scoring three goals in that contest. They looked to continue that offensive production against Maryland, and controlled possession for most of the first half.

Rutgers spent most of the first half near Maryland’s goal. The last time the Terps have ever outshot their opponent by the end of a half was on Sept. 18 against Indiana.

But Maryland’s defense held stout against the Scarlet Knights attack. It is the fourth time the Terps have kept their opponent scoreless in conference play, and the first time they’ve done so in conference play.

Coach Michael Marchinao was proud of his team’s effort, particularly in the second half.

“They really got it right with the way they represented themselves in this program in the second half,” Marchiano said. “I’m really pleased that we’re able to end the season genuinely leaving everything out there.”

“A lot of hard work goes into every season, and we definitely are ready to look forward and move forward and try to keep building.”

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Isolated breakaways from forward Kelsey Smith and long shots from forward/midfielder Lisa McIntyre were Maryland’s closest chances to scoring, but the team’s offense rarely threatened Rutgers defense.

The lack of offense could also be attributed to the staggering amount of injuries. McIntyre, defender Taryn Raibon and defender Sam Winer all exited Sunday’s game with an injury.

After winning back-to-back games against Indiana and Purdue over a month ago, Maryland went winless the rest of the Big Ten slate. There were strides and gradual signs of improvement, but this season was another reminder of how far away the program is from competing in the Big Ten.

Midfielder Ava Morales, a team captain and senior, played in her last match today. Perhaps more than anybody, she has a unique perspective on what this season meant.

“My first three years, we were kind of at the same level the whole time,” Morales said.  “My main goal was to try to push this team forward so that following years it’s it just keeps getting better.”

“I think my last year was the best year I could have asked for,” she added. “Even though we didn’t necessarily meet the goal we wanted to, it was by far the most fun, most competitive team we’ve had.”