After a week off, Maryland women’s soccer welcomes Washington, a new conference opponent, to College Park for the first time Thursday night.
Maryland and Washington have met twice in the past, but both matches were won by the Huskies and took place in Seattle.
Thursday night’s match is set to kick-off at 7 p.m. from Ludwig Field and will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.
Washington Huskies (3-2-2, 0-1-0 Big Ten)
2023 record: 9-5-5, 4-4-3 PAC 12
The Huskies are coming off a disappointing performance in their Big Ten opener as USC defeated Washington, 1-0. Otherwise, Washington has had a decent start to the 2024 season, defeating UC Irvine, New Mexico State and Long Beach State. Washington’s only other loss came against No. 10 Santa Clara. Washington started its season with two straight draws with Wyoming and Seattle University.
Washington enters the Big Ten with a relatively mediocre women’s soccer program, last making the NCAA Tournament in 2020-21, when the Huskies lost to No. 2 North Carolina in the Sweet 16.
Washington head coach Nicole Van Dyke is in her fifth season with the Huskies and has a 38-24-18 record.
Players to watch
Ioanna Papatheodorou, senior forward, No. 11 — Papatheodorou is in her second season with the Huskies after transferring from UMass Lowell before last season. This season, the senior from Nea Erythraia, Greece is tied for the team lead with two goals. Last season, Papatheodorou posted four goals and six assists.
Samiah Shell, sophomore midfielder/forward, No. 13 — The sophomore is in her second season with Washington and has shown improvement compared to her first year. Shell has two goals this season after being held off the scoresheet in 15 games played last season.
Kalea Eichenberger, junior forward, No. 21 — Eichenberger is in her second season with Washington after spending her freshman year at Cal State Bakersfield. This season, she has a goal and an assist in seven starts. Last season, Eichenberger scored just one goal.
Strength
Shots. Washington has been outshooting opponents 94-75 in 2024. That being said, opponents have 35 shots on goal, while Washington only has 32. The Huskies average 13.4 shots per game, creating a lot of opportunities that lead to shots in the offensive zone.
Weakness
Fouls. The Huskies have gotten themselves into foul trouble this season. Washington has committed 74 fouls, while opponents have only committed 62. That being said, the Huskies have only received seven yellow cards, while opponents have received 12.
Three things to know
1. Welcome to the Big Ten, Washington. With Washington’s first Big Ten match coming against a fellow former PAC-12 opponent in USC, this is the first time the Huskies will play a long-time Big Ten program. The Terps have a chance give Washington a rude awakening to the Big Ten on Thursday night.
2. Will the week off help? After getting demolished in their Big Ten opener against Michigan State, the Terps are in the midst of a week off in between matches. Maryland could use the time off as an opportunity to rejuvenate heading into the rest of Big Ten play.
3. Can Maryland break the Big Ten ice? Maryland failed to score a goal in last season’s Big Ten play, but a new season brings new opponents. The Terps could attack on their unfamiliarity with Washington to score a coveted Big Ten goal.
