No. 9 Maryland men’s soccer vs. Virginia preview

After struggling its first lack of the season, No. 9 Maryland males’s soccer appears to be like to bounce again in a serious approach within the “Battle for the DMV.” The annual Labor Day match at Audi Discipline returns when the Terps tackle Virginia on Monday.

Maryland’s begin to the 2022 season has been a bit shaky. The Terps began the season with a formidable win over No. 9 New Hampshire earlier than tying Liberty, 1-1, regardless of recording 14 extra shot makes an attempt. On Friday night time, Maryland took on one other ranked opponent, however couldn’t get it finished on the offensive finish, falling to No. 20 Denver, 2-0.

The “Battle for the DMV” will start at 6:00 p.m. in what’s a pinnacle sport for the Terps.

Virginia Cavaliers (2-1)

2021 document: 6-9-3 (2-5-1 ACC)

Head coach George Gelnovatch is a legend in Charlottesville, Virginia. Gelnovatch has received two nationwide championships, made six School Cup appearances and clinched an NCAA Match berth in 24 of his 26 seasons. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers have struggled as of late, failing to make the NCAA Match in every of the final two seasons. With the “Battle for the DMV” on the horizon, Gelnovatch will attempt to prolong Virginia’s successful streak to 3.

Gamers to know

Leo Afonso, junior ahead, No. 7 — Afonso was an All-ACC second workforce choice final season. As a sophomore, Afonso led the workforce in factors (18) with eight targets and two assists, contributing on 35% of Virginia’s targets. He has not slowed down within the slightest this season, scoring two of the Cavaliers’ seven targets. Maryland has not confronted this degree of goal-scoring skill to this point and can have to be prepared.

Asparuh Slavov, sophomore midfielder, No. 10 — Slavov was a pillar in Virginia’s midfield final season, incomes an All-ACC freshman workforce choice. He began in all 17 of his appearances, recording one aim and one help whereas contributing on the defensive finish. Slavov has not made a lot noise this season, however he’ll nonetheless be probably the greatest gamers on the pitch Monday.

Kome Ubogu, sophomore midfielder, No. 18 — Ubogu performed second fiddle to Afonso final 12 months, however was nonetheless probably the most environment friendly gamers within the ACC. He was second on the workforce in targets (4) and shot share (.222) in 2021, whereas being credited with two game-winning targets. This season, Ubogu has performed a lot of the identical sport — effectivity and timing. He has solely scored one aim however has a 100% shot-on-goal share.

Energy

Protection. The Cavaliers have been locked in defensively this season. Junior goalkeeper Holden Brown has simply 4 saves this season, however that’s solely as a result of groups can’t get previous Virginia’s backline. The Cavaliers have shut out consecutive opponents and Maryland’s offense can have its palms full on Monday.

Weak point

Expertise. Whereas Virginia’s starters are very expert, they’re led by a younger core. The Cavaliers’ frontline options a number of underclassmen, whereas their backline does have some extra expertise. Nevertheless, since Virginia hasn’t made the NCAA Match in three years, even a few of the upperclassmen shouldn’t have enough expertise in opposition to groups of Maryland’s caliber.

Three issues to look at

1. Can Maryland cease Virginia’s set items? The Terps’ latest struggles have all come again to 1 factor: defending set items. In Maryland’s second match of the season, Liberty solely put up two photographs, each of which had been on set items. Towards Denver, the Terps allowed two targets within the first 16 minutes off a nook kick and penalty kick. Up 2-0, Denver was in a position to play conservatively and deny Maryland’s offense for the complete second half. If the Terps wish to win this sport, they should stay disciplined and cease the set piece targets.

2. How will the Terps fare in opposition to Virginia’s stout protection? Maryland’s offense has created a ton of alternatives for itself however has not been in a position to convert. Virginia’s protection, then again, has solely surrendered 14 photographs and one aim this season. Now enjoying in opposition to a workforce that limits probabilities, Maryland might be in some hassle.

3. Who would be the king of the DMV? Because the “Battle for the DMV” started in 2018, the sequence has been as even because it will get. Maryland and Virginia every maintain a 1-1-1 document, with the Terps popping out victorious in 2021. The Cavaliers are on fireplace, outscoring their final two opponents by seven, whereas Maryland has struggled since its season-opening win over New Hampshire. Every workforce has one thing to show and it’s actually anybody’s sport.