Season Update: Men’s Soccer

by Lauren Duda

The Syracuse University men’s soccer team has had a bit of a slow start to its 2011 season. The Orange currently hold a record of 2-5, and are 0-1 in Big East play.

Still, the Orange are looking much better than they did last year. They have scored nine goals so far in the first eight games, just shy of their total of 10 goals for all of last season. The team has already tied its previous record of two wins, and has only suffered each of its losses by a single goal.

One of the Orange’s most exciting games this season occurred on Sept. 11 when the team took on American University. Within the first few minutes of the game, junior Louis Clark scored a goal for Syracuse. In the final minutes of regulation time, American senior Jack Scott launched the ball into the goal, tying the game at 1-1.  Just three minutes into overtime, Syracuse was awarded a free kick, which senior Nick Roydhouse rocketed into the goal with ease. The win marked the first time since 2007 that Syracuse has won its first two home games.

Syracuse also tested the resolve of 16^th ranked New Mexico during the University of Akron Tournament on Sept. 18. Both teams remained scoreless until junior Devon Sandoval put New Mexico ahead by tapping in a goal at the 45-minute mark. The Orange immediately answered back when freshman Jordan Murrell sent the ball whizzing past New Mexico junior goalkeeper Victor Rodriguez. The game went into overtime and Sandoval yet again delivered a goal for the Lobos, dashing any hopes of a Syracuse victory. The Orange may have lost 2-1, but the game certainly showed that Syracuse has the ability to be a real threat to stronger teams like New Mexico or Louisville.

If the Orange keep up their high intensity game and continue to work hard this season, teams further down the line will have to keep an eye out for this veritable foe.

Syracuse will take on its second Big East rival of the season when the team plays away at Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. on Oct. 1.  Be sure to show your love for the Orange at their next home game vs. St. John’s at 7 p.m. on Oct. 12^th!