COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Coaches and players are correct to never identify one game as more important than other. The concentration, the focus and the preparation has to be the same for every game on the schedule. However, you can't deny a different feeling of anxiousness in your stomach when you step onto the pitch for a game that is televised nationally in prime time.

That will be the feeling Friday night as the Terrapins play host to North Carolina in a battle of two of the nation's top teams. The game is of obvious importance in the ACC and nationally, but the fact that the game is featured live on Fox Soccer Channel sprinkles just a little more excitement into the air.

"There's always a buzz about a TV game," head coach Sasho Cirovski says. "We're not used to being on a big stage in the regular season in college soccer. With the Fox Soccer Channel package and the national stage and being at home there's been an even greater buzz."

"You don't think about it too much during the game, but after the game it's pretty cool because you get the phone calls from friends back home and you watch the re-runs -- it's pretty special," senior defender Chris Lancos says of playing on television.

In addition to showcasing two of the nation's most prominent programs, the players and coaches at Maryland are also excited about featuring the atmosphere at Ludwig Field, which has become among the best in college soccer.

"When we watched the game against Duke last week and talked about their crowd, all we could think about was what they will say when they see the Crew and all of the fans. I think they are going to be shocked," Lancos says.

The Terrapins have had remarkable success in front of its home crowd, winning over 90 percent of their games since 2002. Maryland is 6-0-0 at home so far this season.

"We are very confident at home, but we know the game is won inside the lines with execution," Cirovski says.

"We don't have too many home games left as seniors, so we're going to enjoy it," Lancos adds about playing at home. "They are definitely the best fans in the country. It's not just something we say that they give us extra energy because they definitely do."

Maryland has righted itself winning four straight after dropping back-to-back games on the road. The team has learned from its losses and the players have adopted their roles giving them the best opportunity to be successful.

"We have matured a little bit and the team has more of an identity," sophomore midfielder Stephen King says. "Everyone has kind of settled into their roles a little bit more and we understand that each game is going to be tough."

The Tar Heels, who boast one of the nation's best defenses along a host of talented attacking players, will certainly be up for the challenge. UNC will also have an extra bounce in its step coming into a hostile environment and is a hungry unit after losing its last two ACC contests.

"They are a great team with no real weaknesses," Cirovski says. "They are great in goal. They are very athletic and skillful and I think they have some of the best attacking players around that can beat you in a lot of different ways. They're just good soccer players and we are going to have to be good to make sure we contain them."

The game should prove to be what FSC's "Game of the Week" is all about - excellent programs, top-notch players, an electric environment surrounding a game with importance to both teams. It's the very thing that Cirovski, who helped engineer the deal for the television package and who turns 43 on Friday, probably wished for the last time he blew out his birthday candles.