#2 Terps Rout #8 Boston College 4-0
By christrevino
It was viewed as their toughest test yet, a battle of top-ten powers, undefeated records, high powered offenses, experienced starters and an early lead in the ACC at stake.
And the Terps passed with flying colors.
In their first step towards defending their 2010 ACC Title, the #2 Terps [5-0 (1-0 ACC)] blasted the #8 Boston College Eagles [4-1(0-1)] 4-0 in both team’s first ACC matchup of the season Friday night. Maryland’s fifth straight win to start the season was their first time doing so since 2004
To call the win dominant is an understatement. Maryland controlled the game from the get go, dictating that junior Eagles keeper Justin Luthy was in for a long night. Senior Casey Townsend struck first for the Terps in the 9th minute off a pretty long cross from Sunny Jane. Townsend corralled the ball between two defenders, cut up the left side of the box and sent an absolute ripper of his left foot. Luthy could only watch helplessly as the ball hit the back of the goal.
It was over from then on.
Boston College was never able to fully pressure the Terps, only taking four shots for the game, securing Will Swaim his third shutout of the season. The Terps finished with 18 shots taken for the game.
The Terps played even better in the second half, erupting for three goals, two from the sophomore stud Patrick Mullins. It was his first multi-goal game as a Terrapin.
His first came in the 47th minute, off another Jane cross that found him streaking up the middle of the field all alone. Luthy once again could only watch. His second started with the brilliance of highly touted freshman Alex Shinsky. Shinsky danced and dribbled his way deep into the side of the goal before sending a low cross to the middle, which was flicked off by Jordan Cyrus to Mullins to make it 3-0.
If by now your thinking this is the best the Terps have played, you are not alone in that thought.
I’m delighted with the performance. I thought it was our most complete game of the year,” said Sasho Cirvoski, who was honored prior to the game with the game ball from his 300th win he achieved Sunday against Radford. “I thought defensively that was the most connected we have been all year…just a great night.”
I couldn’t agree more. Maryland put together a dominant 90 minutes, a scary thought for opponents who see the Terrapins getting better and better game to game. They are only going to get better, specifically defensively. I feel they have peaked offensively, with Mullins and Townsend playing out of their minds up front.
At the level Maryland is playing only they can derail themselves, allowing themselves to become overly confident against opponents, especially after making a mockery of a supposed top-ten team. But don’t expect that anytime soon.
“We’re just trying to keep it realistic right now,” said Patrick Mullins as Ludwig became empty. “Obviously it’s a great win for us and we’re enjoying it tonight but we come in tomorrow and were getting prepared for UMBC.”
The Terps will try to win their sixth straight Tuesday, Sept. 13 against UMBC.
Player of the Game: Without a doubt Patrick Mullins win sit for tonight. He tallied his first multi-goal game and is now tied for the lead on the team with Townsend at five. The question entering the season was if Mullins could make the jump to star as a sophomore. Well it looks like we have our answer.