Women's Soccer Preview – Florida State

Chris Trevino

Women’s Soccer Writer

Caitlin McDowell umterps.com

The Maryland Terps hope to keep riding the momentum of the program’s first ever win over #2 North Carolina, facing the #9 Florida State Seminoles at home Thursday.

The Terps (13-2-1, 5-2-1 ACC) are expected to be at full strength with the return of offensive weapon Ashley Grove and the dependable Domenica Hodak from their red card suspensions.

Maryland’s defense continues to impress, holding a Tar Heel offense that was averaging 20 shots per game to five shots in the first half Sunday and limiting them to one goal the entire game. Yewande Balogun remains one of the best goalkeepers in the ACC and the nation, allowing 0.87 goals a game.

Florida State (12-3-1, 6-1-1 ACC) comes to Ludwig Field in first place in the ACC standings. The Seminoles are led by an upper classmen duo of senior Janice Cayman and junior Tori Huster, who lead the team with eight and six goals. They also boast one of the best defenses in the nation, holding opponents to a lowly 0.56 goals per game. They start a redshirt freshman in goal, Kelsey Wys, who own nine shutouts on the year.

Sitting in third place in the ACC standings, three points separates Maryland from the Seminoles (only two from UNC).  With only two regular season games left the Lady Terps are still in the hunt for an ACC regular season crown.

Terp’s Record: (13-2-1, 5-2-1 ACC)

Opponent’s Record: (12-3-1, 6-1-1 ACC)

Time: 7 pm ET

Location: College Park, MD

Coverage: WMUC sports radio, Gametracker

Prediction: After a historic win, the Terps are no doubt riding high. But the question is can they sustain it in a pivotal ACC matchup at home? I think they can. Maryland takes a 3-2 over the Seminoles with Sade Ayinde, Jasmyne Spencer, and Caitlin McDowell finding the back of the net.