Only two days after its speed was on full display, Syracuse showed it can also bring physicality to the pitch at SU Soccer Stadium.
In a game littered with chippy play, the Orange had enough finesse to convert three times offensively en route to a 3-0 victory over St. Mary's in the final game of the Central New York Soccer Classic on Sunday.
Syracuse (2-0-0) has now opened three consecutive seasons with a pair of victories.
"When you have to meet and exceed that level of intensity and that physicality, that is what got us going in the game," Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre said. "I thought we handled that well, to ensure there wasn't a frustration and to find a way to keep playing."
SU struck first in the 10th minute when Emil Ekblom converted off a free kick by upstart freshman Julian Buescher. The lead doubled just prior to intermission, as Jordan Murrell blasted a shot that deflected off St. Mary's goalkeeper Andre Rawls and into the cage.
The Orange pelted Rawls with 21 shots, including an insurance goal on Nick Perea's penalty kick in the second half.
Meanwhile, the Gaels (0-2-0) managed two shots, only one of which required a stop by SU goalkeeper Alex Bono. The shutout was Bono's 20th as a member of the Orange.
Syracuse will return to action Thursday, Sept. 4, on the road against Rutgers at 7 p.m.
