It was the biggest upset in school history.

Then-No. 23 Maryland shocked the soccer world and the Terrapins' fans when it defeated then-No. 4 Penn State by the score of 3-1, at Ludwig Field.

No. 13 Penn State (8-2-1, 4-1 Big Ten) and Maryland (7-4, 1-2 ACC) will play for the first time since Aug. 29, 2000 at 7 p.m. tonight at Jeffrey Field.

After dropping a 4-0 decision to Michigan on Friday night, the Nittany Lions bounced back to beat Michigan State this past weekend, and will play their third game in five days against strong competition.

Penn State women's soccer coach Paula Wilkins said that the team will be tired entering the game against Maryland, but it can't use that as an excuse.

"It's important to play any time," Wilkins said. "We didn't get in until one in the morning, but it builds a mental toughness. We've traveled a great deal. In the tournament you will have travel to Austin or somewhere. We just have to deal with it."

Like Penn State, the Terps are coming off a tough Friday night loss. Maryland lost a double-overtime game to ACC foe N.C. State, 2-1. The Wolfpack's Jordan Allison headed home the game-winner in the 103rd minute.

The Terps' offense has come alive this season prior to the N.C State game, producing 28 goals in its first 11 games. Maryland tallied 24 goals all of last year. Maryland has been led in scoring by freshman Ali Andrzejewski and junior Katie Ludwig -- both have registered 13 points.

Andrzejewski, a high school Parade All-American, has scored six goals, including a pair of two-goal games. Ludwig has put five balls in the net and assisted on three goals.

The Lions' offense has not been quite as potent as Maryland's. Penn State has scored 26 goals thus far, two shy of the Terps.

Junior Joanna Lohman was expected to be a big offensive contributor this season, and this weekend showed flashes of brilliance. Lohman scored a goal and had two assists against Michigan State.

"We played as a team and motivated each other," said freshman Tiffany Weimer, who scored her team-leading eighth goal against the Spartans. "Jo had a big weekend, and she basically led the team to the win against Michigan State."

The Lions will not overlook a very good Maryland team, which plays in the tough ACC alongside perennial powerhouse North Carolina.

"They are not in the Big Ten, but we won't look at them any differently," Weimer said. "If we can beat a team from that conference we can play with any teams in the conference, since they' re ranked nationally."

If the Lions take Maryland for granted, it could be a repeat performance of 2000.