The Orange came into Monday’s game with a 5-1 record, 1-0 (Big East), fresh off a sloppy 9-8 overtime win against Hobart. The Wildcats entered the game with a 5-2 record and a two-game winning streak. But this game, the Wildcats first ever in the Big East Conference, was one Villanova would like to forget.
After getting off to a 1-0 start thanks to sophomore midfielder Michael Vigilante, the Wildcats did not have much else to cheer about. SU went on to score three consecutive goals and take a 5-2 lead going into the second quarter.
The Orange broke the game open early in the second quarter with two quick goals by junior midfielder Josh Amidon and senior attack Chris Daniello, giving SU a 7-2 lead. At this point, it was clear that the Orange were in the zone and their up tempo style of play left Villanova confused and disorganized in both their offensive and defensive sets.
Junior defender Brian Karalunas, who is very familiar with many of the SU players after playing his high school lacrosse at Jamesville-Dewitt, admitted afterward that for the much of the game he was forced out of his original defensive assignments.
“In terms of individual match ups, we had a plan going in, but when we get caught in that high-tempo game, it’s really hard to get the match ups you want. So give credit to Syracuse on that. Honestly, I did not envision letting in 20 goals on our defense, which I think is highly improved from years past,” said Karalunas.
After adding three more goals in the second period, the Orange went into halftime leading 10-4. Attack/midfielder JoJo Marasco led the Orange with three assists in the first half. The versatile freshman has helped in filling the void left by the graduation of former SU attack Kenny Nims. Most of Marasco’s assists came while running the ball at the X position behind the opponent's cage. His awareness and field vision will made life easy for the likes of attacks Stephen Keogh and Cody Jamieson which could continue as the season progresses.
The Orange continued their scoring barrage in the second half, opening the third quarter with three consecutive goals to make the score 13-4. With a comfortable lead, SU coach John Desko began to experiment more with his lineup. Desko knew it was important to get some of his younger players some valuable game experience.
“We’ve been dying to get these guys in the midfield and get them some game experience. We were pretty happy to do that today and get them in. I like combinations of people and I think everybody performed pretty well,” said Desko.
The Orange reserve players cruised through the fourth quarter and helped SU to a 20-6 win, its highest margin of victory so far this year. SU was led by Marasco and Jeremy Thompson who each tallied five points. Syracuse is back in action on April 3 when the University at Albany visits the Dome.
Junior midfielder Jeremy Thompson loses his footing while fighting for posession during the third quarter. Thompson and Junior attackman Stephen Keogh led the Orange in goals, with three each. (PHOTO: Jamie De Pould)
