The BIG 2019

UW has a really strong team this year, AND they’re best player didn’t play against UM (Blake Bodily).

 

Depending on how cold it has been, MD's field might look like the photo below, as it's a Bermuda grass field, and thus it turns brown pretty quickly after a couple of frosts / freezes. Also the stands on the team side of the field are about 20 or so yards from the pitch, as there is a track between the stands and the field. The stands on the other side of the field are actually on the track during soccer season, and in the past have gone up about twelve or so rows.

This venue should be able to get some good crowds depending on who is playing. Of course, if MD is playing -- which has been the case for 4 out of the 5 years that MD has been in the B1G -- it will be packed.

 

100% accurate. I always sit on the "locker" room side specifically because it's a better view. Also, the seats are more comfortable than the steel bleachers on the press box side. Even when I could sit in the press box, I'd sit on the other side, just a better view of the match.

Couple of notable things.

• Tickets can be expensive, at 1 time the highest price in college soccer, IIRC $20 for weekend B10/ACC matches.
• No bags (which includes backpacks - I think large purses, but can't confirm independently!). They allow small clear bags and seat cushions (which is where I put my notebook).
• Locker rooms are temporary trailers.
• Porto-potties on the locker room side. A permanent bathroom on the press box side.
• Concessions are a little pricey for college soccer, but cheaper than DC sports events.
• Parking is generally abundant and FREE (except for weekday game days). Early Friday match may be iffy (if it starts before 5pm), but I expect that DOTS won't ticket around the match.
• Players/coaches from either team are easily accessible after the match.
• Gates open 1 hour before game time.
• For those on the pass list, there's a hidden gate, just to the right of the main ticket window.

 

And of course, any game at Ludwig with MD playing will include a "welcome" from The Crew, especially for the other team's GK, as documented in this short video: (interesting to note that the two GKs in this 2009 video are Evan Bush (then playing for Akron) and Chris Seitz (then playing for Maryland), and both still playing in the MLS ten years later).

 

I watched the Michigan/Omaha match. Michigan was just a few inches away on several shots that could have won the game. I wonder if they were affected by travel arrangements (or the fact it was Friday the 13th!). Hallahan is impressive! Omaha's coach was previously HC at Penn State from 2010 to 2017, so he would be familiar with UM.
Omaha has built a roster out of international and transfer players. They have talent but don't seem to be "clicking" yet. Conference play start Oct. 5. I hope it comes together by then.

 

I feel I should receive partial credit for Friday's result:

Maryland 1-3 Northwestern

Now let's see if I similarly inspired Ohio State, Rutgers and Penn State.

 

Michigan appears to be shaping up with a 2-0 win over OSU, and 3-0 over Northwestern. That continues a run of three games without giving up a goal. I’m hoping the Wolverines can maintain their good form. This week will be telling as they have a non-conference game they “should” win, then a showdown with Indiana. All they have to do is win the games. Go Blue!

 

BIG TEN CONFERENCE (all 9 advance)

Seeding complete

(1) Indiana
(2) Penn State
(3) Michigan
(4) Northwestern

(5) Maryland

(6) Michigan State
(7) Wisconsin
(8) Ohio State
(9) Rutgers

Courtesy of @gauchodan

 

(2) Penn State vs (3) Michigan @ 4:00 ET
(1) Indiana vs (5) Maryland @ 7:00 ET

It looks like the first game is broadcast live on BTN, but the second game isn’t shown on BTN until midnight ET. Live streams are also available.

I won’t be surprised by any of these teams winning the tournament, but I’m hoping this is the year that Michigan puts it all together and wins it. Go Blue!

 

The 7pm game can be watched live on the Fox Sports App.

 

Penn State 0-1 Michigan in the middleweight match.

 

Indiana 1-0 Maryland in the heavyweight match.

Indiana v Michigan Sunday afternoon in the final.

 

Indiana 0-0 Michigan after regulation and two scoreless overtime periods.

Indiana prevails 4-3 on PKs.

 

Can the B1G do that this year? It looks like the brackets are set up so that two is the most number of B1G teams possible for the College Cup.

 

Some might think about throwing a spammer in the works.... Go Raiders!