By AARON CRANFORD
Many top college teams play this week, but once again, SBI No. 1 Washington has the toughest task, facing No. 8 UCLA Thursday.
Washington was held to a draw Sunday against No. 22 Oregon State, and now, they must travel to face the Bruins, who have not fared well against conference opponents thus far.
The Bruins are 6-3-3 this season, but have suffered a loss and draw in the past week to No. 16 California and No. 7 Stanford respectively. The Huskies will rely on their highly potent offense, which has scored an impressive 27 goals this campaign.
Syracuse continues to knockdown ACC opposition, but now face a trip to Storrs to take on UConn Tuesday night. UConn have had an up-and-down year, which is evident in their 4-5-3 record this season.
Conversely, the Orange have enjoyed nothing but success thus far, allowing only three goals — which is tied for the nation’s best — and also winning seven matches in a row. The Orange are led by goalkeeper Alex Bono, who has enjoyed the team’s nine shutouts so far this season.
Wednesday evening, Creighton looks to continue their impressive season against St. John’s (7:30 p.m. ESPN3).
Including their two wins against Butler and Drake this past weekend, the Blue Jays have won five consecutive matches and are 10-1-1 this season. Connor Sparrow is leading the Blue Jays in the net, as he boasts seven clean sheets so far.
Here is a closer look at the top college matches during the midweek:
TUESDAY
7:00 p.m. — UConn vs. (6) Syracuse
7:00 p.m. — (19) Notre Dame vs. Northwestern
7:00 p.m. — North Carolina vs. Georgia State
7:00 p.m. — Dartmouth vs. Boston University
7:00 p.m. — Akron vs. Michigan
7:00 p.m. — Duke vs. (20) Davidson
7:00 p.m. — Clemson vs. (15) Coastal Carolina
7:30 p.m. — Louisville vs. Florida Gulf Coast
WEDNESDAY
3:00 p.m. — (5) Georgetown vs. Providence
4:00 p.m. — (14) Michigan State vs. Western Michigan
6:00 p.m. — Butler vs. (9) Marquette
7:00 p.m. — (24) UNC Wilmington vs. Elon
7:00 p.m. — Maryland vs. Lehigh
7:00 p.m. — Delaware vs. Hofstra
7:30 p.m. — St. John’s vs. (11) Creighton
THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. — San Diego State vs. (22) Oregon State.
7:00 p.m. — (8) UCLA vs. (1) Washington
Akron 3 – Michigan ZERO. Gotta love it!!