Syracuse (3-3, 1-0) travels to Durham, North Carolina on Saturday for a matchup against the number three team in the country, Duke (8-1, 0-0).
The Orange comes into the game ranked 15th in the nation, but it has sputtered mightily as of late. The 'Cuse has lost its last two games, against Johns Hopkins and Rutgers, in which they allowed an average of 16 goals a game, and were outshot by a whopping 15.5 margin.
During this stretch, the offense has had trouble maintaining possession of the ball. In the last two games, the Orange has averaged 17 turnovers per game and a total of 14 more than their opponents. The defense hasn't had it any easier trying to get the ball to their scorers. The 'Cuse defensive unit ranks 52 out of 69 teams in clearing percentage, with a successful clearing rate of 84.3 percent this season.
Duke won't be an easy opponent to try to get back on track against, either. The third ranked Blue Devils host the Orange boasting a top three scoring offense and scoring defense in the country. Duke has also been one of the best in the country when they've been given a man-up opportunity. The Blue Devils scored on nearly 59 percent of the man-up chances they've had so far this season.
Syracuse and Duke square off at 1:30 Saturday. Tune into WAER for Countdown to Faceoff at 1:00 on 88.3 FM.
However, there is one area of the game where the Orange may have an advantage over the Blue Devils - at the faceoff X. Syracuse is tied for 32nd in the country in faceoff win percentage (50.0 percent), while Duke is behind at 52nd in the nation (43.6 percent). Danny Varello has led the 'Cuse in that department with a faceoff winning percentage just over 53 percent.
Syracuse will need to have a big game from Brendan Bomberry if they plan to knock off Duke in Durham. The senior midfielder has nine goals and five assists on the year, with three of his goals coming on man-up opportunities.
This tough stretch of games is nearing an end for the Orange. After their contest against Duke, Syracuse plays Notre Dame which will mark the end of a seven game streak of games against ranked opponents. Syracuse and Duke are set to face-off at 1:30 Saturday.