Syracuse Cannot Finish Season on High Note, Fall to Virginia 1-0
By Noah Cierzan
CitrusTV’s Men’s Soccer Beat Reporter
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The storyline Ian McIntyre has been driving home all season long throughout all of his press conferences is how close the Orange have been to securing victory in each game they’ve played in. This trend started on a cold night in the SU Soccer Stadium when SU went toe to toe with No. 2 Pittsburgh. The Orange’s natural talent was evident, but they could not finish off the Panthers.
Friday night they’d have their final chance to show off their true potential, and unfortunately it all came down to a judgement call.
A penalty decision in the 71st minute opened the door for the Cavaliers sole goal, as Syracuse (0-3-2, 0-3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) fell to Virginia (0-3-2, 0-3-2 ACC). Simon Triantafillou slid in for a clean attempt on the ball, but the referee saw the ball make contact with his hand. Despite Triantafillou’s plea, Virginia was awarded the penalty and Andreas Ueland slotted it away.
“It’s difficult, (in a game like this) the difference was a decision by a linesman,” McIntyre said.
Despite the decision, Syracuse had its slew of chances towards the end. Luther Archimede had a great opportunity in the 84th minute, but his head just missed. As time was winding down, transfer Matt McDonnell sent a long-distance strike loose, but once again it was a near miss.
SU’s season is now over, and with Friday’s result Ian McIntyre finishes the season winless. It’s disappointing to say the least, but the Orange have a lot to build on when they play a potential slate of games in the Spring. While nothing has officially been confirmed yet, McIntyre did say that the team will look into scheduling games during that time period. But, until then a loss against Virginia will sum up what the Orange were. A very talented squad who just couldn’t put it together towards the end of games.
ncierzan@syr.edu | @ncierzan
