Two weeks ago, fans saw the classic Maryland-North Carolina rivalry go down in exciting fashion like it always does, as the Tar Heels emerged victorious in overtime 16-15.
But another longstanding rivalry between former ACC foes will be on display Sunday at 1 p.m. as the Terps head to the Carrier Dome to face a Syracuse squad still reveling in its 17-15 upset of No. 4 Florida on Wednesday.
NO. 3 MARYLAND AT NO. 10 SYRACUSE
WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 1 p.m.
WATCH: ACC Network Extra
Since falling to North Carolina, Maryland cruised past UMBC and Hofstra, winning each match by seven or more goals. Syracuse will be its first true test at rebounding since the loss. Meanwhile, the Orange have already recovered from its lone loss thus far, 17-16 to Virginia on March 4.
While the series history may not indicate a rivalry – Syracuse has won just one game against the Terps in their 22 meetings – the Maryland-Syracuse game is always a gritty battle until the final buzzer sounds. Since their lone victory in 2012 by one goal, the Orange have lost by three or fewer goals five of 10 times, including a 15-12 NCAA championship win for Maryland in 2014.
Syracuse has come close several times, but has yet to get over the hump.
Will fans see the Orange earn their second all-time win over Maryland this weekend?
They will need another standout performance from goalie Asa Goldstock, who recorded a season-high 14 saves in their upset of the Gators, plus continued excellence from the nation’s No. 1 offense, including the usual scorers like Emily Hawryshuk and Nicole Levy. Syracuse also sits first in points per game and second in assists per game, shot percentage and free position percentage.
However, Maryland is just as strong on the attack, ranking second in Division I, as well as being first in free position percentage and third in shots per game, much in part to senior Megan Whittle. She is No. 3 in the nation with 4.6 goals per game and No. 1 with 3.2 free position goals per game.
The Terps are also tied for first in draw controls per game. If the Orange can control the midfield, they might have a shot at victory, as the Terps couldn’t secure the one draw in overtime against the Tar Heels.