Though the Terrapin men’s soccer team has been in action for the past two weeks, starting goalkeeper Chris Seitz has taken it easy.

Last night, as is the tradition every Thursday, the California native gathered with teammates to watch The O.C.

“Our whole team loves that show,” Seitz said.

A right shoulder injury kept him from practicing last week and from playing in the Terps’ 2-1 road victory over Virginia Tech Nov. 4.

While he returned to the lineup Wednesday, Seitz hardly had to assert himself because Wake Forest only mustered one shot on goal during its 2-1 loss to the Terps in the ACC tournament quarterfinals.

But if today’s contest is anything like the Terps’ previous meeting against Duke Oct. 7, Seitz’s reign of relaxation is over.

In what was a coming-out party for the freshman, Seitz made a career-high six saves – including stopping a penalty kick – in the Terps’ 3-1 win over the Blue Devils in Durham, N.C.

The No. 1-ranked and No. 1-seeded Terps play No. 5 Duke in the first semifinal tonight in Cary, N.C.

Usually greatly insulated by a consistently stellar back line, Seitz is oftentimes able to focus more on communication than action. But Duke’s overall attack, led by All-ACC first team members Blake Camp and Michael Videira, leads the conference in shot attempts per game and only ranks behind the Terps with an average of 2.3 goals per game.

“They have a little bit of everything,” coach Sasho Cirovski said. “They have quickness up front, size and strength. They looked very good to me in the first game today.”

Last month, Seitz turned away two early quality scoring chances by the Blue Devils to allow the Terps to score first. And though he shined against Duke then, Seitz is not looking to be the hero today.

“I’d rather not face any shots,” Seitz said. “The less shots on goal, the better.”

In 10 starts this season, Seitz carries a 9-0-1 record – which loosely correlates with the Terps’ current 11-game unbeaten streak. It is likely no coincidence that the only tie came against No. 3 Indiana Oct. 29 when the defense and Seitz did not make the necessary stops.

Because the Terps had already wrapped the ACC regular-season championship prior to the Virginia Tech game, Seitz’s injured shoulder was not rushed back into action last week, which allowed Cirovski to keep backup goalie Craig Salvati sharp.

“It gets better every day,” Seitz said. “I haven’t really felt it lately, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there.”

Should the Terps beat Duke, they would face the winner of No. 6 North Carolina and No. 7 Clemson Sunday in the ACC championship game. The Tar Heels upset No. 3 N.C. State and the Tigers took down No. 2 Virginia.

Contact reporter Daniel Chiat at chiatdbk@gmail.com.