Wheels wrote: ↑Sat May 25, 2024 9:37 pm
The defense's performance was sublime. 39 shots with just 15 on goal for UVA. They just couldn't win match ups.
Like 2022, Maryland beat UVA at it's own game. They forced UVA into 6v6 but then got 3 or 4 goals in transition themselves. Because UVA shot so poorly, they had fewer chances to run that 10-man ride.
On offense, Maryland's constant personnel switches just scrambled UVA. It happened against Princeton and Duke, too. The Terps constantly mix their lines. The backside switches paired with the on-ball picks confused UVA, and that's how the Terps diced that defense up from X.
Big shout-out to our JHU brethren. Last week's game took a lot out of UVA. During warm-ups, UVA wasn't moving quickly. They just didn't have the juice. Their defensive midfield has such little depth, and those guys came into the game already tired. Same with the offensive midfield. I can't remember the last time I saw such a lethargic UVA midfield.
Wierman winning 68% of the draws tilted the field. 18 Maryland turnovers but UVA had 15, so they just couldn't make up the possession differential.
I saw Shellenberger after the game, and I thanked him for being such a great player and teammate. The kid did it all right, and I told him he deserves the Tewy. How in the world can the all-time leading scorer in UVA history and a twice previously finalist for the Tewy not win it.
Obviously, it's going to Kavanagh or Entenmann, but Shellenberger has been the best offensive player in the game for the last 2 years.
Last thing. The Maryland family tailgate always win the tailgate. There's not a better group out there. Great people. So welcoming. If you even got to a Maryland game, stop by their tailgate. Even if you're from an opposing team, they'll welcome you like they've known you for years.
Notre Dame is the obvious favorite to win and for several good reasons. The Terps will have to have everything go right and get some help from ND to win. It's really hard to not appreciate this Terps team, though. No one...including a lot of Terps' fans...thought the Terps would be here. They're playing with house money. There's no pressure on them. It won't be Miracle on Ice if they win but certainly 2016 UNC-level kinda win.