Following their statement victory against Albany last weekend, Syracuse (3-0) started off this contest rather sloppy. After falling behind 1-3 in the 1st period, mainly because of the team’s four turnovers, attack Dylan Donahue [20] scored a much needed goal with 25 seconds remaining to swing momentum back Cuse’s way.
The Orange then played an excellent 2nd period where they shut the Army offense out. The lockdown defense led to a 4-0 run going into the 3rd. That’s when Syracuse however, being up 7-3, “got a little comfortable," head coach coach John Desko [21] said.
Army (2-2) countered with a 5-1 run where Freshman goalkeeper AJ Barretto played exceptionally well. They outshot Cuse 17-12 in the second half and converted both of their extra man opportunities.
As the 3rd period winded down, Austin Fusco [22] laid a big hit on an Army midfielder which resulted in a turnover and transition goal for midfielder Jordan Evans [23], which snapped the Army streak heading into the final quarter.
With 3:27 left in the game, Syracuse midfielder Timmy Barber [24] net a fantastic turnaround goal that wound up being the game-winner.
A couple minutes of chaos ensued and Army attack Cole Johnson hit the post on a shot with seven seconds left.
"It just nicked off the top…and that was the best feeling after," Syracuse goalkeeper Warren Hill [25] said.
Midfielders Derek DeJoe [26] and Sergio Salcido [27] scored two goals a piece. Donahue and attack Matt Lane [28] each had one assist. Ben Williams [29] went 13-19 on face-off tries.
Hill made 10 saves for Syracuse, while AJ Barretto had 11 saves for Army.
The Orange hit the road next week as they will begin ACC play against Virginia on Friday, March 4 at 5:30pm.
