The 2015 Orange Fan Fest took place on Saturday afternoon at the SU Soccer Stadium [11] and surrounding area near Manley Field House. The annual event showcased several of Syracuse’s athletic teams as they prepared for the upcoming fall season.
The event started at 3 p.m. with plenty of food and fun activities for the younger Orange fans, including inflatable bouncers and socializing with the Syracuse women’s volleyball [12], soccer [13] and field hockey [14] teams. Of course, Otto the Orange [15] was there taking pictures with everyone.
Fans were then treated to an exhibition match between the 15th ranked Syracuse men’s soccer [16] team and their rivals, the Georgetown Hoyas [17], who came in as the third ranked team in the country. The Orange ended up losing the friendly match by a score of 3-0 in front of a packed house, as the bleachers at the SU Soccer Stadium were nearly filled to capacity.
The second half of the match was interrupted by rain showers. This sent most of the spectators scrambling for cover, while a few die-hards stayed behind to watch the action. The spotty weather eventually passed, and fans were left with a little treat in the form of a striking rainbow that appeared from a certain angle to rise out of the stadium itself.
Following the soccer match fans were pleased to watch an open football practice and subsequent scrimmage that featured head coach Scott Shafer [18]’s 2015 squad [19].
The bleachers were abuzz with chatter from interested fans filled with hope that the Orange can bounce back from a disappointing 2014 season. Senior quarterback Terrel Hunt [20] and the rest of the offense earned their share of "oohs" and "ahs," but for the most part it was the Syracuse defense that put on the better showing. Regardless, Orange fans were just happy to see something resembling real football.
The Orange kick off their regular season on Friday, Sept. 4 against Rhode Island [21] at the Carrier Dome [22]. The men’s soccer team will host Buffalo [23] for another exhibition match on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the SU Soccer Stadium.
Photo by Nick Richardson
