After falling in its first two top 10 clashes this season, No.6 Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse (7-2, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference got in the win column last week against No. 7 Johns Hopkins with a 14-13 win. Now, SU has its eyes set on continuing its winning ways when it hosts No. 4 Duke (8-1, 0-0 ACC)
“Just an incredible team. They’re (Duke) so athletic and they do so much. They’re an outstanding team and we’re just hoping to give them some good competition,” said SU head coach Gary Gait.
The Blue Devils sport the nation’s best offense, averaging over 18 goals a game. Headlining Duke’s attack is a pair of veterans that each rank in the top three in goals scored in the country. Dyson Williams, a 5th year attack, leads the nation with 30 goals this season. Completing the duo is the reigning Tewaaraton Award winner, Brennan O’Neill. The senior has 26 tallies this year, which is good for third in the country. O’Neill also averages over a hat trick a contest.
THAT'S A BIG MAN 💪
— Duke Men's Lacrosse (@DukeMLAX) March 9, 2024
Brennan O'Neill powers through Loyola's defenseman for a hat trick!
📺 ESPN+#GoDuke pic.twitter.com/y4PsACq0Q2
Syracuse head coach Gary Gait knows his squad will have its hands full against a high-powered Blue Devil offense. “Coach O (John Odiernia) and his defense are definitely going to be challenged,” said Gait ahead of the Duke matchup.
On the other side, Syracuse has the tools to quiet the potent Duke attack. SU held No. 20 Delaware to just six goals in its last outing. After that meeting, there was no shortage of confidence for the Orange defense.
“We have the capability to be one of the best defenses in the country. We’re just working to put together that full 60 minutes,” exclaimed Syracuse goalie Will Mark.
Another highly contested area that Syracuse looks to control will be at the faceoff X. SU and Duke’s faceoff specialists’ are atop the nation in faceoffs won. Blue Devils FOGO Jake Naso leads all of division one with 123 faceoffs secured, while Orange’s Mason Kohn has totaled 111 controls at the X. The latter has been crucial for the ‘Cuse’s success this season.
“I think he makes the right decisions. He’s bright and he finds the open players, and is a great team leader as well,” remarked Gait on his FOGO Mason Kohn.
Syracuse dominated in the faceoff department when it picked up its first top 10 win of the season against Johns Hopkins. The Orange won that battle 22-9, which was the largest disparity in games against ranked opponents this season.
The Blue Devils are on fire coming into this one. Duke is winners of its last four with the winning margin being nearly double digits. John Danowski’s squad rallied eight unanswered goals in its last time out. Meanwhile, it hasn’t been as pretty for SU but its on a three game win streak with two of those coming against ranked foes.
Find out how the ‘Cuse fare when they clash with fourth ranked Duke at 7 on Wednesday. Tune in when McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Faceoff goes live at 6:30.