Two teams hungry for wins meet Tuesday night at 7 p.m. when No. 17 Navy (3-3) meets Towson (0-3) at Johnny Unitas Stadium. Here are a few developments that could determine the outcome.
1. One key to a Navy win: The Midshipmen haven't scored 10 goals since the season-opening victory over VMI, but that has nothing to do with the absence of senior attackman Tim Paul (torn right anterior cruciate ligament). Navy's offense has played well at times, but an inability to finish shots has frustrated the offensive players and put even more pressure on an injury-ravaged defensive unit. Junior attackman Andy Warner appears to have inherited Paul's role as the quarterback, but the Midshipmen could use greater contributions from sophomore attackman Ryan O'Leary and senior attackman Kyle Kapron. The offense gets a shot at Tigers junior goalie Travis Love, who will be making his first career start.
2. One key to a Towson win: The Tigers need balance from their offense and defense, but making the transition from defense to offense has been a challenge. The team has just a 62.7 percent success rate on clears this season. Towson cleared just eight of 16 attempts in Saturday's 12-8 loss to then-No. 6 Maryland, and while the rain and wind didn't make things any easier, coach Tony Seaman cited the struggles in the clearing game as a factor in the setback. The Tigers can do themselves a huge favor by giving their offense multiple possessions and Love by keeping the heat off him.
3. One key match-up: Navy may be forced to play without senior long-stick midfielder and Patriot League preseason Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Woeppel (hamstring). Senior Zack Schroeder is a capable replacement, but he is dealing with a back injury that will likely require surgery after the season. That match-up could play into the hands of Towson senior midfielder Will Harrington, who is tied with senior Christian Pastirik for the team lead the team in scoring with 10 points on nine goals and one assist.