Syracuse Men’s Soccer Takes Down #24 UConn in Season Opener

By Evan Zaretsky | @evan_zaretsky

Storrs, CT – After Syracuse men’s soccer went 2-0-1 in exhibition play with wins over Marist and Mercyhurst, it was time for the real test to begin: the season opener. SU passed in convincing fashion, defeating #24 UConn, 2-1 on Thursday evening.

One of the biggest question marks heading into the match was who would start in goal for Syracuse. Head coach Ian McIntyre turned to returning junior Kyle Jansen, who got the start in the opener. However, Jansen wasn’t tested much early on.

It was all offense for the ‘Cuse in much of the first half. The Orange maintained possession and recorded three shots in the first 20 minutes before McIntyre made three substitutions, bringing on Chimere Omeze, Kristjan Fortier and Jordan Grey.

The move quickly paid off. Less than five minutes after entering the match, Grey scored his first goal of the season, and Syracuse’s first goal of the year, off an assist from Sachiel Ming. SU held UConn scoreless for the remainder of the half and took a 1-0 lead into the break.

The Huskies came out of the half firing, totaling three corner kicks in the first three minutes. But, UConn couldn’t put a shot on goal during that stretch.

Once Syracuse regained control, it continued to knock on the door. From the 50th minute through the 65th minute, SU recorded four shots but couldn’t find the back of the net. McIntyre then made another pair of substitutions, bringing Gabriel Oksanen and Jackson Miller into the match. Once again, the fresh legs made an immediate impact. Oksanen scored in the 71st minute to put the ‘Cuse ahead 2-0. Similar to the first goal, a substitute scored just minutes after entering the match.

The Orange continued to generate chances and control the match in the later stages, but the Huskies wouldn’t go down without a dogfight. UConn’s Elijah Langford found the back of the net in the 84th minute and cut the deficit to one. However, Syracuse was able to hold on and secure a 2-1 upset victory over #24 UConn to start the 2026 campaign.

The ‘Cuse outshot UConn 13-8 (8-3 SOG), however had just three corner kicks to the Huskies’ eight and seven fouls to their just two.

SU looks to carry that momentum into its home opener on Sunday against New Hampshire. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.

For live coverage of the match and the rest of the Syracuse Men’s Soccer season, follow @evan_zaretsky and @citrustvsports on X.