Soccer, Football and Hoops
Hey, it’s another football Friday. What better way to kick it off than talk about soccer. Soccer you say, why would a diehard American football fan what to write about soccer? Because for maybe the second time in my life, I am excited to go to a soccer game. I mean Maryland flag waving hyped for the Terps, ranked #1 in the land and our visitors tonight #2 UNC.
I admit, I have not followed the men’s soccer team too closely over the past few years. I did go to an NCAA tournament game a few years ago. We watched at home a week later as the Terps won the national championship. I had not been back until this season. I only went back because of the kids. I have a newly minted soccer fan in my 14 year old.
The crowd at Ludwig is great. No, Ludwig is not the owl from Harry Potter novels. Ludwig is the soccer field that doubles as the track venue. It is located off the far edge of lot 1. It is a smallish stadium that is primarily temporary bleachers. And it ROCKS! The cheers are led by a several thousand strong group of students known as “the Crew”. They are the best Maryland fans as a group that I have seen.
The Terrapins, from the couple of games that I have seen are blazingly fast on offense, tough as nails on defense and have a winning spirit. This could be the game of the year, but if the Terps lose, it would not be a season ender. It would just be a buzz kill.
So if you have the time, the game is at 6p. If the weather clears up, it should be a sellout. You can also catch the game on ESPNU.
Football
Homecoming brings in NC State tomorrow afternoon in Byrd. The Terps, although leading the entire ACC in record (unbeaten at 2-0 in conference play) have one of the worst statistical offenses in college football. We have one giant superstar, Stefon Diggs and not much else on offense. Our top 10 defense keeps us in games and helps to offset the woeful offense.
So how does Saturday look to shake out? Somehow the Terps find a way to win. NC State is coming off a bye week and before that beat FSU 17-16. I will ascribe to the theory that everything that went wrong last year for Maryland will go right this time around.
Basketball
Adding Roddy Peters to the 2013 back court is a big get for the Terps. I am more interested now in how the 2012/2013 campaign is going to shake out. I really thought the Terps would be on the top 25 list, at least get some votes. So far the Terps have no votes and are picked to finish 6th in the ACC.
The Terps have the potential to really grow over the season. I expect to see the Terps in the top 25 by the mid-point of the season.