Syracuse men’s soccer battles Virginia in 1-1 draw on senior day

 By Ben Anderson

Sichel Ming passes the ball. Photo Credit: Ben Anderson

    Syracuse men's soccer snapped its three-game scoring drought but couldn't secure a victory on Senior Day, settling for a 1-1 draw against Virginia at SU Soccer Stadium on Saturday.

    “I thought we deserved to win the game today,” Syracuse coach Ian McIntyre said. “I haven’t said that many times in ACC games. Virginia, who's a wonderful team, seven time national champions, not many times have they been hanging on at the end of the game.”

Syracuse men's soccer huddles before kickoff. Photo Credit: Ben Anderson

    The Orange entered the match aiming to end a three-game losing streak that included back-to-back shutout losses to then-No. 11 Louisville, 1-0, and then-No. 23 Wake Forest, 2-0. The Cavaliers were looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Duke.

    The match was expected to be a defensive showdown. Syracuse, led by goalkeeper Juan Martinez-Bastidas, entered the match having allowed just 13 goals this season while holding opponents to fewer than 10 shots per game. Virginia's goalkeeping duo of Caleb Tunks and Spencer Sanderson entered the match with a combined .709 save percentage.

Syracuse goalkeeper Juan Martinez-Bastidas clears the ball. Photo Credit: Ben Anderson

    Virginia attacked early, creating multiple opportunities in Syracuse's defensive third. The Cavaliers broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Samuel Oulouheu scored his third goal of the season with a shot from the upper corner of the box, giving Virginia a 1-0 lead.

    Syracuse responded by increasing its offensive pressure. The Orange generated back-to-back scoring opportunities near the 28th minute, but Tunks denied both attempts.

    Syracuse finally tied the match in the 41st minute when Bryson Rodriguez found the bottom right corner of the net with a right-footed shot. It was the Orange's first goal since Oct. 6, when Syracuse lost to then-No. 12 Akron, 2-1.

    “It took us a little bit of time to adjust,” McIntyre said of the slow start. “We were unable on the field to solve that.”

Syracuse prepares to defend a corner kick. Photo Credit: Ben Anderson

    Rodriguez was one of six first-half substitutions for the Orange, providing an offensive spark after Syracuse's slow start.

    “I think it’s just energy coming off the bench,” Rodriguez said. “We are a very selfless group and no matter the minutes we get, whether it's ten, whether it's forty five in the first half, I think you need to come on with the same mentality that you’re going to score. You’re going to make the difference.”

    The teams entered halftime tied 1-1, with each recording two shots on goal.

    Syracuse created several scoring opportunities early in the second half. Pedro Gulli attempted a backheel shot in the 52nd minute but couldn't generate enough power to challenge the Virginia goalkeeper.

    The Orange threatened again in the 62nd minute when Gabriel Oksanen delivered a cross that nearly deflected off the leg of Virginia's Alex Parvu.

    Virginia received two yellow cards six minutes apart, with Parvu booked in the 62nd minute and Oulouheu in the 68th.

    Syracuse received its first yellow card two minutes later when Badr Laghjibi was booked for unsporting behavior.

    In the 71st minute, Oulouheu nearly gave Virginia the lead when his attempt from the upper corner of the box sailed over the goal. Rodriguez responded with a header for Syracuse, but his attempt also went over the crossbar.

    Oksanen had another opportunity to put Syracuse ahead in the 80th minute. Left open on the far side of the box, he sent his shot over the net, keeping the score tied 1-1.

    Virginia finished with three yellow cards, the last issued to Bacary Tandjigora for unsporting behavior in the 87th minute.

    Virginia outshot Syracuse 9-6, but the Orange held a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal.

SU's Kristjan Fortier dribbles the ball. Photo Credit: Ben Anderson

    With the draw, Virginia moved to 7-6-2 overall and 3-3-1 in ACC play. The Cavaliers will host Pitt on Friday.

    Syracuse moved to 7-6-2 overall and 1-4-2 in conference play, remaining winless since its 1-0 upset of then-No. 10 Notre Dame on Sept. 25.

    “I think we still have the same hunger,” Rodriguez said. “Showing up to training every day and doing our best. I think we’ve worked very hard in preseason and in the stretch of this season. It’s just keeping that momentum going.”

    Before the match, Syracuse recognized six seniors: Gulli, Buster Honeywood, Dakota Jonke, Kameron Kist, Jackson Miller and Nathan Scott.

    “It’s a little sad,” Rodriguez said. “I live with all of them except Nate. I’m definitely going to miss them.”

    Syracuse returns to action Friday when it travels to Blacksburg, Va., to face Virginia Tech in its regular-season finale. The Orange will look to strengthen their position in the ACC Tournament standings and potentially earn another home match.

    “I really hope we get another home game,” Rodriguez said. “We are very strong here. We love to play here.”

    During pregame, Syracuse recognized its six seniors: Gulli, Buster Honeywood, Dakota Jonke, Kameron Kist, Jackson Miller and Nathan Scott.

    “It’s a little sad,” Rodriguez said. “I live with all of them except Nate. I’m definitely going to miss them.

    Syracuse returns to action for its regular season finale on Friday when it travels to Blacksburg, Va. to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies, with a chance to continue battling for at least one home in the ACC tournament. 

    I really hope we get another home game,” Rodriguez said. “We are very strong here. We love to play here.”

Syracuse men's soccer senior day recognition