With just four qualifiers, the Big Ten gets straight to the business end of the postseason. Host Maryland, the nation's No. 1-ranked team and one of two undefeated teams in the country, is the undoubted favorite. But the other three contenders have shown it is capable of an upset run, whether it be Washington and its stingy defense, a Michigan team that is battle-tested, or a UCLA group that has had a resurgence in the second half of the season. 

The Big Ten tournament begins on November 8th.

Semifinal Preview:

No. 1 Maryland(m) vs. No. 4 UCLA(m)

The Terrapins are still undefeated, despite a schedule loaded with nationally ranked teams. An experienced back line added to the brilliance of Sadam Masereka and Stephane Njike in the attack makes this group stacked from top to bottom. However, UCLA will not be daunted. The Bruins already drew Maryland 0-0 during the regular season and boast a forward, Sergi Solans, who has caught fire with two hat tricks and eight goals over the last three games.

No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Michigan

Michigan is undefeated through six. The Huskies, however, have lost form at the worst possible time in the season, having lost two straight. What makes matters worse for Washington is that the Wolverines have even more confidence after winning their regular-season matchup 1-0. All signs point to Michigan, but the West Coast program still has a long list of dynamic attackers who can create magic from nothing.

Final Notes:

• Maryland wins the Big Ten league trophy for the first time in three years.

• Maryland is one of two undefeated teams left in the country.

• Ohio State won the 2024 conference tournament but did not qualify this season.

• Indiana has won the most Big Ten tournament titles with 16 but did not qualify.

• Three qualifiers are nationally ranked (No. 1 Maryland, No. 9 Michigan, and No. 16 Washington).

• Richard Aman, Washington leads the conference and is third in the country with 11 assists.

• Laurin Mack, Maryland & Isaiah Goldson, Michigan are tied for the conference lead with eiht clean sheets

• Richard Aman (Washington) and Stephane Njike (Maryland) are both on the TDS Player of the Year Leaderboard.

• Maryland leads the conference in Big Ten goals with 25.

• Washington leads the conference in Big Ten goals conceded with 8.

• 4 TDS Top 100 Players in Attendance: No. 6 Richard Aman (Washington), No. 18 Harrison Bertos (Washington), No. 38 Stephane Njike (Maryland), No. 51 Lasse Kelp (Maryland).

• 1 TDS Top 100 Freshman in Attendance: No. 86 Rocket Ritarita (Maryland)

• The final is on November 16.

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