Syracuse University is home to two of the top lacrosse programs in the country. The SU men’s team finished the abbreviated 2020 season ranked #1 in the
Credit Cuse.com
It’s been a rollercoaster of a start for the Syracuse men’s lacrosse team. The Orange opened the season with an uncharacteristic and somewhat disappointing 18-11 loss to number seven Army inside the Dome. Things seemed slightly out of sync considering the Orange finished last season ranked number one before the COVID-19-induced shutdown. Fast forward to a week later, though, and the Cuse manhandled Virginia at home. The first half was fairly close, SU took a 9-7 lead into the break. The second half was where the Orange excelled. The Cuse outscored the Cavaliers 11-3 in the second frame en route to a 20-10 victory. It was a complete turnaround considering Syracuse scored just 11 goals total in its first outing against the Black Knights.
Credit Cuse.com
This was a revenge game for #9 Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse.
After a stunning season opening loss to Army, the Orange won in just as stunning fashion Saturday, trouncing #3 Virginia 20-10 for its first victory of the 2021 season. It was raining goals for SU Saturday night in the Carrier Dome. We needed that win,” said Head Coach John Desko. “The guys did a great adjustment this week and all the coaches did a great job.”
It was quite the adjustment from the seven-goal defeat to the Army just six days prior.
Desko’s team was tested early on. Virginia’s offense connected on five of its first seven shots on goal into the back of the net. That allowed the Cavaliers to jump out to an early 5-3 lead. But that’s when the Orange turned a corner and found their rhythm offensively. SU notched four unanswered goals to take a two goal lead themselves, 7-5.
Credit Cuse.com
Last year, the Syracuse men’s lacrosse team was on its way to perfection. The Orange were 5-0 and ranked first in the country, but it all came to a screeching halt in March. Once COVID-19 hit, the athletics programs were canceled for the rest of the year. For many, the question exists, what if? Now those questions turn into answers as SU suits up for the first game in 2021 on Sunday.
There is a lot of anticipation and expectations for this year’s squad. Inside Lacrosse put seven Syracuse players on their Preseason All-American list and gave three first-team selections. That provides the Orange with the most honorees coming into the season.