Defense Defines Syracuse as ACC Race Heats Up
By Adam Hipsky | @adamhipsky
Through ten games, Syracuse men’s soccer finds itself at a crossroads. Sitting at 4-4-2 overall and 1-2-0 in the ACC, the Orange have experienced highs and lows in equal measure. With five conference games left on the schedule, head coach Ian McIntyre’s squad still has plenty of time to prove itself. Consistency however, will be the key if Syracuse wants to solidify its place among the top 15 in the ACC Tournament.
Season So Far: Peaks and Valleys
Syracuse’s record doesn’t fully reflect how competitive they’ve been. On the road, the Orange are an impressive 3-1. At home, however, the story is far different: a frustrating 1-3-2 record. SU Soccer Stadium has yet to feel like the advantage Syracuse needs in the ACC gauntlet.
One of the defining games of the first half came against then-No. 8 Stanford. The Orange stunned the Cardinal by taking a 2-1 lead with just over ten minutes left, only to see it slip away after conceding twice in quick succession. It was a gut punch that showcased Syracuse’s potential, but also its growing pains.
September was particularly unkind. A winless stretch of four straight games, including a disappointing draw with New Haven and a loss to Duquesne, raised concerns about the team’s identity. But Syracuse bounced back with conviction to round out September. Back-to-back shutouts against Colgate and Cal restored belief and showcased Cuse’s ability to dominate when clicking on both ends.
Looking Ahead
The Orange currently sit 10th in the ACC standings, firmly in position for a tournament berth (the top 15 qualify). That’s an improvement from last season’s 12th-place finish and a nod to progress compared to their preseason ranking of 11th. Still, the margin for error remains thin.
The next three conference matchups could prove decisive. Syracuse will face Boston College, SMU, and Pitt, with nearly a full week of preparation before each game. The Eagles and Panthers are a combined 1-5-1 in ACC play, giving SU a real chance to separate itself from the pack. Following that stretch, Syracuse will take on UNC, which is winless through its first four league contests.
If Syracuse can maximize this run of games, it could not only lock in an ACC Tournament spot but potentially climb the ladder toward a more favorable seed as the top-eight host a first round game.
Midseason Grades
Attack: B
The Orange attack was sluggish out of the gate, but has shown more balance and creativity of late. Carlos Zambrano’s hat trick against Colgate — punctuated by an olimpico goal that landed at No. 1 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 — was a breakout moment. Freshman Landon Darko has impressed as well, looking composed beyond his years with a goal and an assist.
Still, injuries and inconsistency have kept the attack from hitting full stride. Grand Canyon transfer Bright Nutornutsi has yet to find the scoresheet, a surprise given preseason expectations, though injuries have played a role in slowing him down.
Midfield: B+
The midfield has been the glue during Syracuse’s uneven first half. Freshman Ivan Irinimbabazi made his first career start against New Haven and has since provided poise, pace, and control well beyond his experience level. Zambrano’s shift into midfield has helped balance play, while veterans Kelvin Da Costa, Kristjan Fortier, and Sachiel Ming have all had their moments of providing stability. Ming, in particular, continues to be a steady presence capable of sparking attacks at any moment.
Defense: A
The strength of this team. Syracuse’s back line has been stout, anchored by goalkeeper Tomas Hut, who has already recorded 24 saves and kept Syracuse competitive in nearly every match. Chimere Omeze has emerged as an All-ACC caliber defender while also contributing in the attack — he’s the only Orange player with goals in multiple games. Garrett Holman has been steady and reliable, while veteran Tim Brdaric brings experience and even a threat on set pieces. Ernest Mensah Jr. has stepped into a bigger role seamlessly, giving McIntyre enviable depth.
The Road Ahead
At 4-4-2, Syracuse is still a team searching for its identity. The defense has championship-level quality, while the attack is beginning to show signs of life after a slow September. The next few weeks will tell whether the Orange are simply middle-of-the-pack in the ACC or a legitimate tournament contender with the tools to make a run.
The opportunities are right there: winnable games, a favorable conference slate, and a roster blending veteran leadership with standout newcomers. Now, it’s about turning potential into results. If Syracuse can carry its recent momentum and solve its home-field struggles, the second half of the season could see the Orange climbing much higher than their preseason projection.
For now, Syracuse sits in the thick of the ACC race with everything still to play for.
