wgmuoio's Blog

Cuse Quarter: Episode 4

By Will Muoio
September 29, 2017 - 8:39 am
The SU football show previews the game against NC State on Sept. 30.

Host Monica Ortiz joins show regulars Jonathan Singh and Tommy Farrell to recap last week's 35-26 loss to LSU. This week, they are joined by India Timpton, who is heading down to Raleigh for Syracuse's next game against NC State.

Did you miss last week's episode? Click here to watch.

The Orange Card: Droughts

By Will Muoio
September 24, 2017 - 10:24 pm
The Newshouse's soccer podcast looks at Syracuse's stumbles this week.

Syracuse men's soccer have lost three home games in a seven-day span, including against in-state rivals Cornell in OT and ACC rivals Duke. The team talks about where it has gone wrong for Coach Ian McIntyre's men.

Syracuse women's soccer faced two ranked ACC rivals, losing 1-0 to Wake Forest and drawing 0-0 to Clemson.

In other soccer news, The United States women's national team defeated New Zealand in Cincinnati and the top soccer stories are covered.

Click here to subscribe to The Orange Card on iTunes.

Cuse Quarter: Episode 3

By Will Muoio
September 22, 2017 - 7:06 pm
The Syracuse Orange football show previews the game against #25 LSU.

The Cuse Quarter returns with a recap of Syracuse’s win over Central Michigan and look forward to the prime-time game against LSU.

Host Monica Ortiz speaks with Tommy Farrell, Jonathan Singh, and Julian Whigham about everything SU football, including players to watch, who needs to step up from last week, and more.

Check out the video below.

OT goal downs Syracuse for second-straight loss

By Will Muoio
September 19, 2017 - 9:54 pm
In a back and forth contest, a lack of quality in the final third proved costly.

Syracuse men's soccer dropped four places in the United Soccer Coaches poll for its men from 7 to 11 before its match against Cornell. After the Orange lost 1-0 to its in-state rivals, expect them to drop a lot more.

For Coach Ian McIntyre and Syracuse (4-2-2, 0-1-1 in ACC), this result is a missed opportunity for them to gain any momentum ahead of a busy week.

The game started off strong for Syracuse, with more passing and possession compared to the 2-1 loss against Louisville on Sept. 15. An early substitution forced by the referee meant forward Tajon Buchanan needed to be taken off, only to reappear five minutes later. Syracuse looked the dominant team, however once they reached the final third of the field, chances couldn't come.

The most significant chance in the first half was for Syracuse. A shot from Buchanan bounced off a Cornell defender and fell to midfielder Jonathan Hagman. With one touch, his shot left Cornell goalkeeper Mitchell Meyer dead in his tracks. But as the ball ricocheted off the post, the Syracuse fans voiced their disbelief from the crowd.

Cornell also had their chances, which would have been against the run of play. Forward George Pedlow was played in, yet the presenece of defender Sondre Norheim threw him off, and Pedlow played the ball over.

Coach McIntyre made three substitutions in the first half, brinigng on Petter Stangeland, Simon Triantafillou and Lukas Rubio. This proved an instant spark as the Orange looked for the opener. However, it came to no avail.

"The freshmen played really well. Simon and Lukas came on and their fresh legs provided good chances," McIntyre said.

The second half started out the same. Syracuse forced an early shot on goal through Buchanan. Minutes later, a diagonal ball from Rubio ended up in Triantafillou's path, but his shot was blocked.

As the clock ticked on, the game became more physical. The game opened up as both teams had the potential to create a chance on either end of the field. But as the clock struck 90, it remained goalless.

Coach McIntyre made a tactical change entering overtime, moving Buchanan to the right wing to provide speed down the wing. There was movement along the wing, however that position became exposed in the 98th minute. Cornell midfielder Tyler Bagley noticed the far side wide open with teammate Ryan Hill with space. The pass landed on Hill's feet, and placed the ball past a flailing Hilpert.

"Cornell were the better side, and they made it count." Coach McIntyre said.

Syracuse will aim to stop the skid when they host Duke on Sept. 22. The game starts at 7 p.m. at SU Soccer Stadium.

The Orange Card: Atlantic Coast Crisis?

By Will Muoio
September 17, 2017 - 9:21 pm
Here's the fourth edition of The Orange Card.

In a week with no games for Syracuse women's soccer, The Orange Card discusses how the team will respond to the upcoming ACC schedule. We talk about if rest will be good or bad for Coach Phil Wheddon's team.

Syracuse men's soccer had a mixed week. They defeated Oregon State 3-2 on Tuesday night, but were beaten in the ACC home opener 2-1 to Louisville. How will Coach Ian McIntyre and the team respond to the first defeat of the season?

The United States women's national team beat New Zealand 3-1 in Colorado on Sept. 15. While there were many positives as Julie Ertz scored a brace and Alex Morgan scored a monumental goal. But, the team looks at the roster decision and if Coach Jill Ellis will make any changes ahead of its next game.

As always, we mention the biggest soccer news across the world and host Tyler Dudley allows us a look at how soccer has impacted her life.

Click here to subscribe to The Orange Card on iTunes.

Cuse Quarter: Introductions

By Will Muoio
September 15, 2017 - 1:48 pm
Meet the newest show about Syracuse Football

Here is more information about Monica Ortiz, Tommy Farrell, Julian Whigham and Jonathan Singh.

Cuse Quarter: Episode 2

By Will Muoio
September 14, 2017 - 7:19 pm
This show previews Syracuse Football Week 3 vs. Central Michigan

Following Syracuse Orange football's 30-23 loss to Middle Tennessee State, Cuse Quarter both recaps the previous game and looks forward to its next game against Central Michigan.

Host Monica Ortiz speaks with analysts Jonathan Singh, Tommy Farrell and Julian Whigham about Syracuse's struggles, especially with its offensive line and third down conversions.

This Week on the Gridiron: Episode 2

By Will Muoio
September 14, 2017 - 5:35 pm
Our new pro football video show previews the NFL's Week 2 games, picks with lines and fantasy football advice.

This Week on the Gridiron returns for the second installment of their weekly show looking at what is happening in the NFL.

After briefly recapping the events of Week 1, the crew gave its insight previewing Week 2 for game picks with lines and fantasy advice. They are joined by special guest from Scout.com beat reporter and former Syracuse DB Julian Whigham.

"I think the show went very well," analyst Brooke Meenachan said. "The three of us just gel together and our personalities are able to show through it."

Set-pieces prove critical in Syracuse victory

By Will Muoio
September 12, 2017 - 9:44 pm
After falling behind early, three Orange players score as Syracuse beat Oregon State on Tuesday.

With a sunny start at SU Soccer Stadium, the Orange got off to a fast start. The team had a majority of possession and put together a lot of great passes.

Then they conceded. As Oregon State midfielder Hassani Dotson dribbled at the backline, the team backed off. Before the Syracuse defense knew it, Dotson had put the ball past goalkeeper Hendrik Hilpert and into the back of the net.

Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre called on his team to move more in the final third with hopes of getting back into the game. A diagonal ball played to Syracuse midfielder Adnan Bakalovic gave him the space to attack the goal. Trying to psych out a Oregon State defender, he played the ball towards midfielder Jonathan Hagman. With his first touch, Hagman placed the ball into the goal in the 15th minute.

The Syracuse defense kept three players, Sondre Norheim, Kamal Miller and John-Austin Ricks, solidly at the back. Stability was key to Hilpert.
"As the season goes on and we play more games together, we will become more comfortable in defense," Hilpert said.

A lot of Syracuse movement in the first half was down the left flank, however with less than five minutes remaining the play switched to the right. This is how ball movement would improve in the second half, McIntyre said.

The second half started out fast for Syracuse, and within seven minutes they had its first attempt of the game. Syracuse midfielder Mamadou Balde received the ball at the edge of the box, spun to his left and attempted to move towards goal. His path to goal was blocked, and the referee pointed for the penalty spot.

Captain Miller cooly stepped up and slotted the ball into the goal, with the goalie diving the other way. This goal put Syracuse up front, where they wanted to remain for the rest of the evening.

A free kick for Oregon State outside the box ended up being costly as - put the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal in what McIntyre described as a "soft free kick" to begin with.

Following that, the game became wide open. Both teams had chances to get in front. Fortunately for the home crowd, it was Syracuse who got the last laugh.

Syracuse midfielder Hugo Delhommelle has taken the repsonsibily of set-pieces in his first season. In his final set piece of the match, it paid off.

"I kept trying to put the ball on the front post. Luckily, it worked out," Delhommelle said.

Delhommelle's ball went to Ricks, who put the slightest of touches on the floating ball and directed it to the far post. After hitting off an Oregon State defender, it ended up in the back of the net.

That touch ended up being crucial, especially with the team's upcoming schedule.

Syracuse host Lousiville on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.

Syracuse men's basketball finalized: Notable games, poll

By Will Muoio
September 9, 2017 - 5:54 am
The 2017-2018 ACC men's basketball schedule released this week.

Breathe easy, Syracuse Orange basketball fans. The men's basketball schedule is released and predictions can begin to be made.

The Atlantic Coast Conference announced the full slate of men's basketball games, including times for most games and broadcast channels. While the opponents were pre-determined, Jim Boeheim and his team will now know when the games will take place.

Here are 10 games that stand out for the Orange:

Nov. 10: Syracuse vs. Cornell, TBD at Carrier Dome

This is the first regular season game for the team when they host in-state rivals Cornell. This game has additional relevance, as Coach Boeheim's son Jimmy is on the opposing team. Expect there to be a family affair as Coach Boeheim starts his 41st season at the helm.

Dec. 2: Syracuse vs. Kansas, 5:30 p.m. in Miami

As part of the Hoophall Miami Invitational, Syracuse face off against Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks. The two schools last played in 2008, however Orange fans will fondly remember when they faced off for the 2003 National Championship. Syracuse won 81-78, the only national championship in its history.

Dec. 5: Syracuse vs. Connecticut, TBD at Madison Square Garden

This non-conference game is part of the Jimmy V Classic, where old Big East rivals will face off once again. Last season, Connecticut squeaked away with a 52-50 win against the Orange. This season, Syracuse will look to avenge that defeat.

Dec. 16: Syracuse at Georgetown, 12:30 p.m.

Another former Big-East rivalry, Boeheim and the Orange return to Washington D.C. for this lunchtime game against the Hoyas. The last time Syracuse went to Georgetown, Jim Boeheim began serving his nine-game suspension.


Dec. 31: Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech, 6 p.m.

This New Year's Eve game starts the ACC portion of Syracuse's schedule, playing Buzz Williams' team. In front of the Syracuse faithful, the Orange will want to get off to a good start as three of the next four games will be on the road.

Jan. 27: Syracuse at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m.

A victory on the road against Pitt might come in handy ahead of the ACC tournament. Last season, their five-point loss was one of seven road ACC losses. This is something that needs to be changed if Syracuse wants to make the NCAA Tournament.

Feb. 17: Syracuse at Miami, 12 p.m.

The start of a treacherous week begins in Coral Gables, as the Orange visits Miami. Despite beating them in the regular season last year, the Hurricanes knocked Syracuse out of the ACC tournament. A win for Syracuse would boost their confidence ahead of the final stretch.

Feb. 24: Syracuse at Duke, TBD

The most anticipated game of the year. Syracuse and Duke, on ESPN. A Victory over the Blue Devils would be massive for the Orange, especially if Duke is ranked nationally. Memories of last season's victory will still be on the mind of Syracuse fans.

March 3: Syracuse vs. Clemson, 2 p.m.

The final ACC game will be a must-win victory for the Orange. These two teams will be vying for the NCAA tournament. The winner of this game will take that into the ACC tournament, in Brooklyn from March 7-11.