Coming into this Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse (1-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) season, the thought was that its offense would be the main attraction for the Orange. But, it was the defense that shined in SU’s 13-6 season-opening win over Boston University (0-1, 0-0 Patriot League). Six goals is the lowest total Syracuse has allowed against a ranked opponent in two years.
“It’s team defense,” SU head coach Gary Gait said. “They have to slide, recover, and help each other. I thought to hold that team to six goals is a pretty good solid effort.”
One of the more impressive feats from the Orange was shutting down the reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Year Timothy Shannehan. The sophomore had just three shots on goals on eights attempts. SU defenseman Riley Figueiras credited his teammates.
It was a quiet start for @TerrierMLAX attackman Timothy Shannehan, but it was bound to come to an end.@kleinjake_ was on the call for BU's first tally of the second half, courtesy of its star sophomore.
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“It starts with the [defensive midfield],” Figueiras said. “A lot of time in college, it’s not about guarding a guy one-on-one, and the did a great job on the talk. I think Jimmy [McCool] made a few big saves and we executed well.”
Only 18 of BU’s 36 shots were on net, and when they were, Syracuse goalie Jimmy McCool was there. The senior had 12 saves, his 13th career double digit total. Defenseman Billy Dwan III had high praise for his netminder.
The offenses fell silent in the fourth quarter, and the goalie play jumped up a notch.@NickEv610 depicted a save by @CuseMLAX netminder Jimmy McCool.
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“Jim is unreal,” Dwan said. “He’s a calming presence behind us, he always has our back. When we screw up or have a hole in our defense, he cleans up our mess all the time.”
But it wasn’t all perfect for the Orange. SU had 17 turnovers, four above its average from a year ago.
“We have a base now,” Gait said. “There are things that we can work on and tweak. Now it’s up to guys to look at themselves and say how we can get better going into next week.”
Syracuse has a chance to make those changes next Saturday against Saint Joseph’s at noon. Tune into WAER’s McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Faceoff at 12:30.