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Women's soccer: Orange loses early lead, rallies to win in Double OT

Alex Lamontagne's goal in the 102nd minute downs Vermont.

When Stephanie Skilton buried her own rebound in the 15th minute of play Sunday, Syracuse took a two-goal lead and looked to be in cruise control.

But Vermont had no intention of going away quietly.

The Catamounts survived relentless offensive pressure by the Orange and tied the match with five minutes left in regulation. However, SU freshman Alex Lamontagne delivered the final blow with a breakaway goal in the second overtime session to help the Orange escape Hamilton, N.Y., with a 3-2 victory in the Colgate Nike Classic.

"Obviously our finishing leaves something to be desired," SU head coach Phil Wheddon said. "It's a product of our own environment. We allowed them in the game."

Just two days after Wheddon challenged the Orange to come out firing on all cylinders, it did. Maya Pitts opened the scoring 8:59 into the match, and Skilton soon followed.

Syracuse (3-1-2) dominated Vermont throughout the game, outshooting the Catamounts 30-8 in total and 7-0 in extra time. But it repeatedly squandered chances to put the game out of reach.

Lamontagne and Skilton were repeatedly denied by Vermont goalkeeper Ally Ramos in the second half, and Maddie Damm struck the left post with a shot in the 49th minute.

Meanwhile, Vermont (2-3-0) answered with a screened shot by Sarah Martin and an arcing volley from Jessica Silverman that both eluded SU goalie MacKenzie Moranz.

Finally in the second overtime period, SU took advantage of a Vermont miscue. Sophomore defender Sierra Rhoads severely misplayed a reset pass, and Lamontagne was there to snatch the ball away. She dribbled into the box and ripped a bullet to the right corner of the cage.

The goal was the first game-winner of Lamontagne's career.

"(Lamontagne) is an athletic specimen," Wheddon said. "She's dangerous, competitive... she's everything you want out of a forward."

The win comes only one day after senior Hanna Strong was indefinitely suspended from the team after a video posted to Instagram showed her using racial and homophobic slurs.

Syracuse players were not available for comment following the match, and Wheddon dodged any questions related to the situation. His only concern on Sunday was the continued offensive struggles of his squad.

"We could have, and probably should have, saved ourselves 20 minutes of play," he said. "We've got to be more clinical for sure."

Hanna Strong of SU women's soccer suspended indefinitely

The senior used offensive language in a video posted to social media.

Syracuse senior midfielder Hanna Strong has been suspended indefinitely by head coach Phil Wheddon after an online video surfaced in which she used a racial and homophobic slur, SU Director of Athletics Daryl Gross said in a statement Saturday.

According to a report by blacksportsonline.com, Strong was identified as the player that used the offensive remarks in a video posted to Instagram. The Daily Orange later confirmed the player was Strong.

"We are aware of the offensive comments made last night by a member of the women's soccer team," Gross said in his statement. "This type of intolerant and hurtful language, focused on both race and sexual orientation, is not part of the culture we seek to foster among our student-athletes and it has no place at Syracuse University."

According to Gross, the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety and Title IX Office have begun an investigation into the incident.

Hannah StrongStrong has played in each of SU's five games this season after missing the 2013 season due to injury.

The video, which was posted in a report by Syracuse.com, contains strong language. Discretion is advised.

Football notebook: Dixon, Hunt and the Bulls

Orange punter receives award, while quarterback avoids further punishment.

Riley Dixon played the role of hero against Villanova on Friday night, and today the Atlantic Coast Conference recognized him for his efforts.

The ACC named the Syracuse punter/placeholder its Co-Specialist of the Week on Tuesday afternoon, along with Louisville's Corvin Lamb.

Dixon threw the enventual game-winning touchdown pass to Kendall Moore in the second overtime on a trick play at the goal line. A defensive stop later sealed a 27-26 victory for the Orange.

Dixon also averaged 43. 4 yards on five punts, two of which pinned Villanova inside its own 20-yard line.

This is the senior's first such honor.

 

In the Hunt

After throwing a punch at an opposing linebacker during Friday's game, quarterback Terrel Hunt will not receive further punishment, an ACC representative announced Tuesday.

Hunt had scrambled for a first down late in the second quarter when he was hit above the chest by Villanova's Dillon Lucas. In retaliation, Hunt took a swipe at Lucas' helmet as he rolled himself off the turf and onto his feet.

By rule, Hunt was immediately ejected from the game. Sophomore Austin Wilson replaced him under center.

Hunt is expected to start at quarterback Sept. 13 against Central Michigan.

 

Run With the Bulls

Syracuse has scheduled a home-and-home series with South Florida for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Syracuse Athletics announced in a statement Tuesday. The Orange will travel to Tampa next season for an Oct. 10 contest, while USF will visit the Carrier Dome on Sept. 17, 2016.

Former BIG EAST foes, the Orange and Bulls have faced each other eight times with USF holding a 6-2 advantage.

Syracuse's complete 2015 nonconference schedule includes USF, Louisiana State, Rhode Island and Central Michigan.

Men's soccer: Orange overcomes slow start, beats Niagara

Deep SU roster outlasts Purple Eagles in 3-0 win.

Through the first 21 minutes of its 2014 home debut Friday, Syracuse failed to generate any scoring chances in the penalty area and move the ball with efficiency.

But all it took was one header from Louis Cross to change that entirely.

Sparked by the defender's first career college goal midway through the opening half, the Orange turned up the heat offensively and pulled away to a 3-0 victory over Niagara in game one of the Central New York Classic at SU Soccer Stadium. The three goals are the most in a game by Syracuse since a five-goal output against NC State on Oct. 4, 2013.

"Overall, it was a very good performance," Orange head coach Ian McIntyre said. "Certainly, there was a little bit of rust. Maybe on another day, we could have had a couple more, but it's tough for me as the coach to kinda grumble when you win 3-0 and you have a shutout."

The pace was slow early in the first frame, as neither side could find a good look at the cage. But in the 22nd minute, SU senior Jordan Murrell lobbed an arcing pass in Cross' direction.

The Akron transfer elevated to deflect the ball on cage, and it soared past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Joel Gerberich. 

"It was pretty spectacular actually," Cross said. "Being a defender, I'm not really expected to score. It really lifted the team."

Visibly energized, the Orange (1-0-0) dominated the rest of the half and carried that momentum into the second period. Chris Nanco doubled the lead in the 49th minute by coverting a tough left-angle shot on the near side.

SU outshot the Purple Eagles 13-2 in the second half and drew five corner kicks. One of those resulted in an insurance tally, as a volley by Oyvind Alseth hit a Niagara defender and trickled into the cage with eight minutes remaining.

As the Orange continued to maintain possession, all Niagara (0-1-0) could do was play catch-up.

"We started to spread them out wider and use more of the field," Nanco said. "Teams are going to eventually get tired on us, and the players that we're bringing off the bench are really going to help us."

The Eagles were unable to test SU goalkeeper Alex Bono, who moved into third on Syracuse's all-time list with his 19th shutout despite failing to record a save.

The Syracuse defense played admirably without senior Skylar Thomas, who had started the final exhibition game against Akron, and 2013 co-captain Chris Makowski. McIntyre didn't say if either would return for Sunday's contest against St. Mary's.

But overall, the Orange's field general was pleased with the performance of each unit and only expects them to improve as the season continues.

Said McIntyre: "Guys know that you're probably not firing on all cylinders today, but a solid start to the season."

 

Field hockey: Orange romps over Miami

Lauren Brooks' two goals lead balanced attack in 5-1 victory.

No. 5 Syracuse remained undefeated on the young 2014 season with a dominant 5-1 win over Miami (Ohio) in Columbus on Saturday.

"Our kids played with a lot of maturity today," Orange head coach Ange Bradley told SU Athletics. "Our offense still has to get better, but we're creating goal-scoring chances."

The Orange (2-0) was led by senior Lauren Brooks, who had two goals on the day. Brooks opened the scoring in the 17th minute with her first tally of the season.

SU pelted the RedHawks (0-1) with 17 shots in the first half, two of which resulted in goals.

The Orange eventually broke the game open with a three-goal spurt in the second half. Jordan Page, Lies Lagerweij and Brooks all scored to build a five-goal advantage.

Miami freshman Cooper Hudspeth scored the lone RedHawk goal in the 68th minute. 

The Orange will continue its road trip through Ohio on Monday against Ohio University at 1 p.m.

 

Women's soccer: Orange dominates Albany

Offense explodes for five goals in victory.

After being held scoreless during last weekend's Penn State Invitational, Syracuse made sure it would not be shutout again Friday evening.

Sophomore Stephanie Skilton scored twice to lead a rejuvenated Orange attack in an easy 5-1 victory over the Great Danes. The five goals are the most for SU since scoring seven against Binghamton in 2003.

"I thought we played some very exciting, very attacking soccer," SU head coach Phil Wheddon told Syracuse Athletics. "We scored some fantastic goals. We put them under pressure and put them on their heels."

Skilton struck first in the 10th minute with a header off Jackie Firenze's free kick. Later in the half, she converted again on an open breakaway opportunity. The sophomore now has 11 career goals.

Erin Simon, Alexis Muraco and Alex Lamontagne also scored for Syracuse.

SU goalkeeper MacKenzie Moranz continued her hot start, making three saves in the win.

The Orange finally returns home Monday to battle Connecticut at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Time Warner Cable Sports.

Football: Terrel Hunt ejected in second quarter

Austin Wilson will lead the Orange offense in the second half.

Syracuse quarterback Terrel Hunt was ejected from Friday evening's season-opener against Villanova after throwing a punch at defender Dillon Lucas.

Hunt scrambled for a first down with 3:24 left in the second quarter when he was hit above the shoulders by Lucas. When both players landed on the turf, Hunt immediately clenched his left hand and struck the facemask of Lucas.

A Vine posting of the play can be seen here.

By rule, a punch necessitates an automatic ejection.

Sophomore quarterback Austin Wilson entered the game for Syracuse, which held a 10-7 lead.

SU's ACC basketball schedule released

Slate highlighted by home-and-home with Duke, road trip to UNC

Searching for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for that "special someone" in your life?

Thanks to the Atlantic Coast Conference, you don't have to look any further.

The ACC released its full men's basketball schedule for the 2014-15 season Wednesday afternoon. The obvious headliner on Syracuse's calendar is a return visit by the Duke Blue Devils to the Carrier Dome on Feb. 14. The game will be televised on ESPN.

In total, the Orange will play 18 conference games this season. Below is a complete listing from Syracuse Athletics:

At Virginia Tech, Jan. 3, noon

At Georgia Tech, Jan. 7, 7 p.m.

Florida State, Jan. 11, 8 p.m.

Wake Forest, Jan. 13, 8 p.m.

At Clemson, Jan. 17, 4 p.m.

Boston College, Jan. 20, 7 p.m.

Miami, Jan. 24, 4 p.m.

At North Carolina, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.

Virginia Tech, Feb. 3, 9 p.m.

At Pittsburgh, Feb. 7, 4 p.m.

At Boston College, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.

Duke, Feb. 14, 6 p.m.

Louisville, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh, Feb. 21, noon

At Notre Dame, Feb. 24, 8 p.m.

At Duke, Feb. 28, TBA

VIrginia, March 2, 7 p.m.

At NC State, March 7, noon

There are a couple of key takeaways from this list of opponents.

One is that the Orange better be clicking on all cylinders by the latter half of February. A brutal three-game homestand against Duke, Louisville and Pittsburgh could very well determine the front-runner for the ACC regular-season title. Life won't get any easier for SU, which closes the regular season by playing three of four games on the road.

The good news is the front end of the schedule is occupied by a number of last season's ACC bottomfeeders. This should allow the Orange to gradually ease into its tougher matchups late in the season.

Additionally, Syracuse should benefit mightily from facing both Louisville and Virginia at home.

We'll see how everything shakes out in January, but Orange Nation definitely has a number of dramatic showdowns to anticipate.

Notes from Andy Talley's Monday CAA Teleconference

Villanova head coach ready to start season against Syracuse.

Andy Talley has won 204 games as the head football coach at Villanova University. But even after 29 years at the helm, he has no answer for the hostile environment that awaits the Wildcats this Friday night.

Talley spoke to the media Monday morning during the Colonial Athletic Association's weekly coaches teleconference. He spoke of the various challenges his squad will face during its season-opening clash with Syracuse.

"There's no way you can get ready for (playing in the Carrier Dome)," Talley said. "It's going to be loud, raucous and noisy."

More important to Talley, though, is what happens on the field, and in that regard the Wildcats are facing a steep uphill climb.

Although Villanova's spread attack averaged almost 31 points per game last season, Talley is concerned about the physicality and aggressiveness of the SU defense. He expects to face a lot of blitzes and creative packages, things the Cats didn't see much of against 2013 Football Bowl Subdivision opponent Boston College.

"Last year, Boston College sat in a basic set and we had some success," Talley said. "Syracuse puts pressure on you and your offensive line, and backs are going to have to pick up the blitz early in the game if the quarterback is going to survive."

As a coach who prioritizes the long-term health and success of his team, Talley admitted that he would prefer not to face a 1-A opponent the opening week of the season.

Case in point, Villanova lost three starters to injury in the aforementioned BC game last season. This year, the team is already without left tackle Brad Seaton and guard Nico D'Angelo. Not to mention, Talley is working in a new kicker and punter for 2014.

But for financial reasons, such contests are often necessary for FCS schools to survive. So all Talley wants to see Friday is improvement from his team and an intact roster after the game.

"You've got to stay healthy, and the game takes a lot out of you," he said. "(My players) are very excited about the game and can't wait to get there."  

 

 

Women's soccer: Orange and Missouri play to scoreless draw

SU fires 15 shots but can't convert against the Tigers.

In its only exhibition game of the 2014 preseason, Syracuse piled up five goals in a win against Binghamton.

But during Friday's season opener against Missouri, scoring proved a much harder task for the Orange.

SU and the Tigers combined for 34 shots, but none found the twine as the squads played to a 0-0 draw at the Penn State Invitational in University Park, Pa.

"I was happy with the movement of our forwards," SU head coach Phil Wheddon said. "They were all dangerous. We created some quality opportunities, but we have to take advantage of our scoring chances."

Unlike during its victory over the Bearcats, the Orange (0-0-1) had the services of star sophomore Stephanie Skilton, who returned after competing in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. But even she couldn't help SU find the scoresheet.

Seven different Syracuse players sent shots toward Mizzou goalkeeper McKenzie Sauerwein, but the senior was rarely tested. She made only four saves en route to a shutout performance.

The Orange had one final chance in the second overtime period, but failed to capitalize on a corner kick opportunity.

SU goalkeeper MacKenzie Moranz finished with five saves in her first collegiate start, spearheading a strong performance by the Orange defense.

Despite the result, Wheddon was pleased with the way his team continued to attack throughout the match.

"It's always good to get a win, but we can head into Sunday's game (against Penn State) with our heads held high," he said.