Women's Soccer Preview – Miami
Chris Trevino
Women’s Soccer Writer
Editor’s Note – Sorry about the lack of posting this weekend and that this is up so late. It’s been a very busy weekend workwise.
The #3 Maryland Terps remain in prime position for an ACC regular season title with the Miami Hurricanes coming to Ludwig Field Sunday for the Terps’ final regular season game.
Maryland (14-2-1, 6-2-1 ACC) is currently sitting in second place in the ACC standings, two points behind North Carolina. A combination of on a win against Miami and a tie or loss for North Carolina against Wake Forest would give the Terps the #1 seed for the ACC tournament.
Yet, Miami (10-7-1, 4-5-0 ACC) may pose a trap game for the highly ranked Terps. The Hurricanes are currently on a two-game losing streak, including a tough two-overtime 1-0 loss to #11 Boston College.
They do not stand out on the offensive side of the ball, averaging a pedestrian 1.76 goals per game and a little over 14 shots a game (they are led by senior Brittney Steinbruch, who has eight goals), but the Hurricanes defense is the strong asset of this team. They are third in the ACC in saves and tied for second in shutouts. But the strength they have on the defensive side of the ball has largely been voided by Miami’s mistakes and aggressiveness – they lead the ACC in fouls and yellow cards, while placing in the top five for offside calls.
The Lady Terps’ offense and defense, on the other hand, has been clicking in their last two games, defeating top-ten opponents North Carolina and Florida State
Sunday will be Senior Day for the Lady Terps; Molly Dreska, Colleen Deegan, Caitlin McDowell, Olivia Onyeador and Erika Theisen will be honored prior to the game.
Maryland’s Record: (14-2-1, 6-2-1 ACC)
Opponent’s Record: (10-7-1, 4-5-0 ACC)
Time: 1 pm ET
Location: College Park, MD
Coverage: WMUC sports radio, Gametracker
Prediction: Maryland has two losses from teams they should have beaten. But the Terps play this one at home on an emotional Senior Day and they can see a #1 seed in sight. I think the Terrapins come out strong and get a big 3-1 win over the Hurricanes. Seniors Colleen Deegan and Caitlin McDowell score, while Jasmyne Spencer picks up her 10th goal of the year.