No. 3 Syracuse men’s lacrosse (1-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) is off to a strong start after a 13-6 win over No. 17 Boston University last weekend. The Orange now turn their attention to Saint Joseph’s on Saturday in the JMA Wireless Dome.
After one game, Syracuse did not show many weaknesses. The Orange won all four quarters against Boston University, including a six-goal outburst in the third.
“I thought our guys controlled the game throughout,” Syracuse head coach Gary Gait said. “I think we’re only going to get better as we go on.”
Syracuse’s defense stood out, holding the Terriers to their lowest goal total in nearly two years. The last time the Orange allowed six or fewer goals came against Manhattan in March 2025. Defenders and preseason award winners Billy Dwan and Riley Figuerias combined for three caused turnovers, but both credited goalkeeper Jimmy McCool for anchoring the unit.
“Jimmy is unreal,” Dwan said. “When we screw up, he cleans up our mess, and I’m just super happy to have him on our team.”
McCool finished with a .670 save percentage, his highest mark in his last 12 appearances. The reigning ACC Goalie of the Year posted a .540 save percentage last season.
Saturday’s matchup against Saint Joseph’s presents a similar challenge to the season-opener. The Hawks are unranked but received votes in the top-20 poll. It’s Saint Joseph’s first game of the season after its opener against NJIT was canceled.
The Hawks did not thrive on offense, averaging just over 11 goals per game last season on route to finishing 2-3 in Atlantic 10 play and missing the NCAA tournament. However, Saint Joseph’s showed flashes, including a win over No. 16 Penn and a two-goal loss at No. 8 Duke.
One area Syracuse will need to monitor is Saint Joseph’s defense. The Hawks allowed more than 12 goals only once during the 2025 season, surrendering 14 to High Point in the Atlantic 10 tournament.
The test falls on SU attackman Joey Spallina, who starred in the opener. The USA Lacrosse Preseason Player of the Year tallied three goals and five points last time out, both team highs. Fellow multi-goal scorer Payton Anderson said Spallina’s presence opens the offense.
“Just being aware of where Joey is is huge,” Anderson said.
Syracuse also benefited from strong faceoff play. John Mullen won nearly 75% of his draws, a rate that would have led the nation last season. That advantage could be critical against a Saint Joseph’s team that finished 2025 with a 41% faceoff win percentage.
The Orange and Hawks face off Saturday at noon in the Dome. Our coverage on WAER begins at 11:30 a.m. with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Faceoff.