Defense key to Maryland battle

It's payback time for the Blue Devils.

Taking on first-seeded Maryland in the ACC Championship semifinal game, the men's soccer team hopes to avenge its Oct. 7 loss to the Terrapins tonight at the SAS Complex in Cary, N.C.

"Maryland's a very good team," goalkeeper Justin Papadakis said. "They have a lot of talent. And since we played them a couple weeks ago, we're expecting a battle, to be honest."

The 3-1 loss to Maryland was a turning point in the team's season, Papadakis said. Since then, the Blue Devils have turned their focus to team defense, emphasizing the importance for all players to concentrate on regaining possession.

"Everyone from our forwards back to our defenders- everyone has to be pitching in," said Papadakis, a sophomore who has started each of the Blue Devils' 17 games this season. "At their end and our end, everyone has to contribute to the defensive effort."

Although Duke has done well defensively in the first half of games-the team has allowed only two goals before the break-its opponents have outscored them in the second period, 16-18.

Last year's team, which began the season with seven shutouts, boasted a .91 goals against average. This season, however, Duke ranks seventh in the conference allowing 1.09 goals per game.

The difference, however, may the growing strength of the ACC rather than the Blue Devils' defense. Head coach John Rennie has said that all but one team in the conference will likely make the NCAAs. No. 9 Duke is expected to be in the bunch, but tonight's game against the Terps could help determine seeding for the tournament.