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!

The Top Five Non-Revenue Sports to Attend at Syracuse University

By Ben Glidden

Photo Courtesy of www.bigeast.org

We all know Football, Basketball and Lacrosse games are fun to go to. But have you ever been to a non-revenue sporting event at Syracuse University? Many people haven't and are missing out on some of the hidden gems of campus. Here are the top non-revenue sporting events to attend:

5. Syracuse Soccer - SU Soccer Stadium is a great venue for a soccer game, especially under the lights. Night soccer games make you feel like you're at a professional sporting event. There is a great fan base and soccer is an upbeat sport worth checking out. Bring your vuvuzelas. If you need more reasons, click here.

4. Syracuse Field Hockey - What many people don't know about this team is that they are really good. The past few years they have been one of the best teams in the nation and have battled in the NCAA tournament. The team plays at J.S. Coyne Field on South Campus, a venue that holds up to 2,700 spectators. Field hockey can be an extremely exciting sport once you figure out what all the whistles mean. I definitely recommend you check out one of these games this fall.

3. Syracuse Ice Hockey - Ice Hockey is one of the fastest and most exciting sports. I've been to a lot of Syracuse Ice Hockey games and they are a blast. While the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion may not be the ideal place to hold a hockey game, it still gets the job done. There isn't much room for spectators, which means the bleachers are packed for every game. The crowd gets loud and has hockey specific cheers that will provide you with a great fan experience.

2. Syracuse Women's Volleyball - Last year, the volleyball team started of its season 17-0. I had never been to a real volleyball game before going to my first Syracuse game and it was so much fun. The bumps, sets and spikes will definitely get you out of your seat and cheering. A lot of people show up to the games and they get loud. You'll definitely fall in love with the sport and the team after just one visit.

1. Syracuse Softball - The SU Softball Stadium is the place to be when spring comes around. The team is back-to-back Big East Champions and have performed pretty well in the NCAA Tournament the past couple years. These games are loud, fast paced and there is never a dull moment. While all the events are great to go to, the talent displayed on the softball field makes this the number one non-revenue sport to attend.

Disagree? Tell us why!

Five Reasons to Attend a Syracuse Women's Soccer Game

By D.E. Connors

Photo Courtesy of Aaron Katchen

This summer’s Women’s World Cup created a buzz about a sport that doesn’t usually have much buzz. The USA team continued its run to the championship game with a mix of creative playmaking, dazzling finishes and great goaltending. Despite losing in the finals, the deed was done - the women became America’s sweethearts (particularly Alex Morgan and Hope Solo).

At Syracuse, the women’s soccer program does not get the fanfare they deserve. But after such support was shown for USA and soccer in general this summer, we at OSS were hoping we could parlay this into more support for our own women’s team. If these quick tidbits don’t get you over to the SU Soccer Stadium, I don’t think anything will.

Top Five Reasons to go to a Syracuse Women’s Soccer game:

1) They’re better than you think - They haven’t performed particularly well in the tough Big East lately - they were 3-6-2 last season - but they still managed a respectable 3-3-3 record out of conference. Record aside, these women are big, athletic, strong and extremely skilled. The Orange should improve on last year’s record and move up in the Big East.

2) Relaxed environment - Is there anything better to do on a nice, fall afternoon than watch beautiful women playing a beautiful game? You won’t have to worry about people yelling at you to stand up and scream - a constant at football and basketball games - you can just go, sit back, and enjoy.

3) You’ll fall in love - with the players and the game. These girls work their asses off for the right reasons - not because they’re on television or want an entourage. The same things that kept you glued to the TV when USA was playing in the World Cup - creativity, togetherness and probably Alex Morgan’s attractiveness - will be on display at the SU Soccer Stadium. Morgan won’t be there though, I lied.

4) We’ve got some studs - Junior Tina Romagnuolo and senior Casey Ramirez are the two most distinguished players on the squad. Romagnuolo made All-Big East Second Team and Casey Ramirez was given the award for top defensive player on SU for the second consecutive year. Megan Bellingham has been hindered with injuries the last couple years but provides the Orange with some scoring punch. Alyscha Mottershead is another standout for the SU. She’s started every game of her career. Rachel Blum, Brittany Anghel, Cecilia Borgstrom and Kayla Afonso will all look to build off of strong freshman campaigns as well. This is the most talent that coach Phil Wheddon has had here at SU.

5) It’s free - Description needed?