Black’s OT Winner Caps Maryland Comeback as 2LT Brigid Duffy Scores First Pro Goal

By: J.J. Pavlick | Baltimore, MD | May 29, 2026 |

BALTIMORE — Maryland Charm rookie and U.S. Army Second Lieutenant Brigid Duffy didn’t need long to make her mark on the WLL. She scored her first professional goal late in the second quarter, and her presence helped spark a Maryland comeback that ended with Sydni Black burying the overtime winner in an 18–17 thriller over the California Palms on Saturday night.

California’s Ellie Masera delivered a star‑level performance of her own, scoring four times and driving the Palms’ early surge. But Maryland’s trio of Black, Duffy, and veteran attacker Ashley Humphrey carried the Charm through a chaotic, high‑scoring night that swung wildly from quarter to quarter.

Maryland improves to 2–1. California falls to 1–2. The league got its first true classic of the season.

First Quarter: Masera Sets the Tone, Black Keeps Maryland Close

California opened fast, and Masera set the early tone. She scored at 11:31 to give the Palms a 1–0 lead, and the goals kept coming. Emma LoPinto, Emily Bakes, and Erin Nalls all struck in a rapid sequence as California built a 4–1 advantage.

Maryland needed a response, and Black delivered it. She scored at 7:53, then again at 3:45 and 1:42, completing a first-quarter hat trick that kept the Charm within striking distance. Still, California carried a 6–4 lead into the second.

Second Quarter: Duffy Arrives, Humphrey Takes Over, Masera Stays Hot

The second quarter turned into a showcase for both teams’ stars.

Humphrey opened the period with a goal at 0:13, and Maryland briefly grabbed an 11–10 lead. Masera answered at 0:32, tying the game and pushing her total to two.

Then came the moment Maryland fans will remember: At 5:38, 2LT Brigid Duffy scored her first professional goal, cutting the deficit to 8–7 and igniting the Charm sideline. The Army West Point graduate played with the same edge she showed in college—physical, fearless, and unbothered by the stage.

Humphrey continued to drive Maryland’s offense, assisting on two goals and scoring another as the Charm clawed back. Black added her fourth of the night at 10:47, tying the game 6–6 before halftime.

California still led 11–10 at the break, but momentum had shifted.

Third Quarter: Duffy Scores Again, Black Stays Hot, Masera Answers

Maryland opened the third with a power‑play strike from Humphrey at 0:34. Black followed with her fifth goal at 2:19, assisted by Duffy—a full‑circle moment for the rookie.

Seconds later, Duffy scored again at 2:26, tying the game 12–12 and completing a breakout performance in her debut.

Masera responded at 4:33 with her third of the night, and California tied the game again at 7:36 on a power‑play goal from Sammy Geiersbach.

End of Q3: 14–14. Nothing decided.

Fourth Quarter: Masera Pushes, Humphrey Answers, Chaos Ensues

The fourth quarter delivered pure chaos.

California’s McCool scored at 0:05. Maryland’s Kennedy answered at 0:18. LoPinto tied it again at 0:55. Masera scored her fourth at 4:26. Humphrey fed Spilis for another Maryland equalizer at 4:36.

Every possession felt like a swing. Every mistake felt fatal.

Maryland led 16–15 entering the final minutes, but California kept coming. Brandt scored at 7:54. Griffin struck at 10:18. The Charm held on long enough to force overtime.

Overtime: Black Ends It

The game deserved a dramatic finish, and it got one.

At 11:40 of overtime, Sydni Black cut to the middle, took a feed from Humphrey, and buried the winner—her sixth goal of the night and the exclamation point on Maryland’s comeback.

Charm 18, Palms 17. A classic.

The Stars of the Night

2LT Brigid Duffy — Maryland Charm

Two goals, one assist, and a statement debut. She played with poise and power, and her second‑quarter strike changed the game’s energy.

Sydni Black — Maryland Charm

Six goals, including the OT winner. Maryland’s engine all night.

Ashley Humphrey — Maryland Charm

A complete performance: goals, assists, and the game‑winning feed. She controlled tempo when Maryland needed stability.

Ellie Masera — California Palms

Four goals and relentless pressure. She kept California in control early and nearly stole the game late.

Maryland didn’t just win—they survived, adapted, and let their stars take over. Duffy arrived. Black delivered. Humphrey orchestrated. And the Charm walked out with the W in the first true heavyweight fight of the WLL season.

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