When the Maryland Terrapins women’s soccer team takes the field in Piscataway, New Jersey on Sunday afternoon, they will be plenty rested. It has been 10 days since the Terps last took the field for their matchup against William and Mary, and it was something the team desperately needed.
Through the team’s first seven games, Maryland sits at 6-0-1, but their average margin of victory is only by 1.14 goals. The Terps’ have also already played four overtime games. All this adds up to some very intense minutes, which can take a lot out of a team.
The break could not have come at a better time for Maryland, as they now prepare to face their toughest opponent of the season in Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have the same record as the Terps, 6-0-1, but are ranked 13 in the nation. They have earned the ranking by outscoring their opponents 20-0 on the season. Behind the stellar play of redshirt junior goalie Casey Murphy, Rutgers has not given up a goal yet in 2017.
The Scarlet Knights also have some power on offense as well, with nine players scoring a goal this season. Senior forward Colby Ciarrocca and freshman Amirah Ali lead the team with four goals a piece.
For a Maryland team that has started off the season by exceeding expectations, this Big Ten matchup will act as a way to see just how talented this team is. Last year the Terps struggled mightily in conference play, finishing with a record of 1-10.
However, the Terps hope things will be different this time around. With a solid goalie in junior Rachel Egyed and a plethora of scorers including seniors Chelsea Jackson and Madison Turner, Maryland has the skill and the mentality to continue their incredible run. It is also worth noting that the Terps could see their star freshman forward Mikayla Dayes return to action after missing the past two games with a knee injury. Dayes is tied for the team lead in goals with three.
The game will take place in Piscataway, New Jersey at 3:30 p.m on Sunday.
- Maryland volleyball swept by Indiana in second game of weekend homestand - October 7, 2023
- No. 8 Maryland field hockey falls to No. 6 Rutgers in penalty shootout, 3-2 - September 28, 2023
- Maryland women’s soccer stymied by No. 6 Penn State, 4-0 - September 15, 2023
