It’s time.
No. 5 Syracuse men’s lacrosse (3-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) might have been off to a great start, out-scoring its opponents, 54-20 in the first few games, but the first official test for this bunch comes this weekend against No. 4 Maryland (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten Conference).
The Terrapins have already played two ranked opponents through their first couple games of the season. The most recent contest being an 11-4 domination over No. 20 Loyola. UMD had 10 different goal scorers in that game and had 14 players record at least a point.
Despite Maryland being a hefty opponent, Head Coach for Syracuse Gary Gait said his group is ready for the challenge.
“Our team is looking at this as an incredible opportunity,” Gait explained. “A chance to show the lacrosse world the development we had from last year to this year and to represent the 2024 team. We want to show up and show that we are capable of competing in top-five matchups.”
Last year, the Orange went 0-5 against opponents ranked fifth or higher and was outscored by 22 goals, total. This year, however, Syracuse has added a lot more fire power to its offense. Lehigh grad Christian Mulé, Princeton transfers Jake Stevens and Sam English as well as Tufts grad Mason Kohn have combined for 24 points through the first three games.
Princeton transfer Sam English scored on an assist from attacker Joey Spallina. @JLeonard1013 described the midfielder's powerful shot.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) February 9, 2024
🎙️https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P, @waer883 pic.twitter.com/C1REA1WRUt
All of this scoring generated by SU’s renovated offense may slow down against Maryland’s stifling defense. The Terrapins allowed just 16 shots on goal in their last game against the Greyhounds. UMD also won the ground ball and caused turnover battles, 38-24 and 8-6, respectively. Even Coach Gait took notice.
“I was incredibly impressed by their (the Terrapins) defense last game against Loyola,” Gait said. “They limited them to 16 shots on goal, which is spectacular.”
The defense today 🔒
— Maryland Men's Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) February 11, 2024
Eight different guys with a caused turnover, 12 saves from @log_mcnaney #BeTheBest pic.twitter.com/gLRHoKLfCg
One way a team can counteract an imposing defense is by moving the ball around. Creating lanes and open shots. And one strength that Syracuse has had through its first few games is depth on offense. The Orange have 18 players tally one or more goals so far this season. Furthermore, SU seems to have found good chemistry amongst each other on the field. Syracuse has assisted on over 75% of its goals. Continuing to spread offensive responsibilities could be the answer the Orange look for against the Terrapins.
“We’re going to have to move the ball and work as a team to get good scoring opportunities,” Gait put it bluntly.
Syracuse welcomes Maryland to the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday at 6 p.m. WAER’s coverage starts with our McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Faceoff beginning at 5:30.