The Maryland Charm enter Saturday's matchup in Chicago at 1-1, having split their first two games of the season. Maryland defeated the California Palms 18-17 on May 29 before falling to the New York Charging 12-10 on June 20. The Charm now face that same Charging squad.
The rematch, on the home field of reigning NCAA champion Northwestern University, gives Maryland a chance to solve an opponent that already handled them once this season. Meanwhile, with a win, New York can clinch a berth in the WLL Championship Game on August 15 in Philadelphia.
New York's Izzy Scane, a two-time Tewaaraton Award winner and NCAA career goals record holder, figures to command significant attention from defender Abby Bosco and the Maryland back line. How the Charm contain Scane while generating consistent offense through attackers Ashley Humphrey and Sam Apuzzo will likely determine the outcome. Humphrey was limited to one assist in the team's earlier matchup.
Charm rookie goalie Jenika Cuocco, a Northwestern alum and recently-crowned national champion in May, returns to the field where she played home games during her college career.
Where to Watch
Opening draw: 7:00 PM ET Saturday at Chicago, IL
TV: ESPN+