No. 2 Northwestern faces its biggest remaining regular-season test Thursday, hosting unbeaten No. 1 Maryland in a matchup of the Big Ten’s last teams without a conference loss. The Wildcats then host Rutgers on Sunday for Senior Day.

By the Numbers
  • Northwestern: 14-1 overall, 5-0 in Big Ten play.
  • Maryland: 14-0 overall, 5-0 in Big Ten play.
  • Rutgers: 9-6 overall, 3-2 in Big Ten play.
  • Northwestern has won its last 4 matchups with Maryland and its last 4 against Rutgers.
Yes, But

Maryland holds a narrow 19-18 edge in the all-time series, but Northwestern has won the teams’ last four meetings, including a 2-1 victory last season. Rutgers arrives on a three-game winning streak, so Sunday’s matchup is no simple Senior Day formality.

State of Play
  • Maryland is the only undefeated Division I team this season and has climbed to No. 1.
  • Northwestern has been ranked No. 1 or No. 2 all season and is coming off a win over No. 13 Indiana.
  • Senior Ilse Tromp has 11 goals for Northwestern; senior Olivia Fraticelli leads Rutgers with 12.
What’s Next

Northwestern hosts Maryland Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. CT, then welcomes Rutgers Sunday, Oct. 25, at noon CT for Senior Day. A win over Maryland would give the Wildcats a key edge in the conference race and strengthen their case for the No. 1 ranking.

Bottom Line

Thursday is a top-ranked showdown between two unbeaten Big Ten teams—and Northwestern has recent history on its side. The Wildcats must turn that advantage into a result before shifting focus to a Rutgers team arriving in form.