Syracuse Survives First Road Test of the Season at Stanford
By Sam Rothman
Field Hockey Beat Reporter
After starting the season 2-0 at home, Syracuse (3-0, 0-0 ACC) traveled to the west coast for its first road game of the season against No. 15 Stanford (0-3, 0-0 America East). The change of scenery slowed down the Orange initially, but SU rediscovered their form as the game progressed to find a way to defeat the Cardinal 2-1 in overtime for its third straight win.
In both of its previous matchups, the Orange scored the first goal of the game. However, it was the Cardinal who got on the board first on Saturday. Senior Emma Alderton solved Borg van der Velde at 9:32 to give her team the early 1-0 lead.
Not only did Stanford grab the first goal of the game, but the Cardinal was also awarded the first penalty corner of the game. Stanford got a shot on goal but van der Velde stood tall to escape any further damage.
With six minutes left in the first, the Cardinal had another chance on the penalty corner. Coming into its matchup with Stanford, Syracuse’s defense had faced 18 penalty corners, including 13 against Albany on Sunday. However, a new opponent on a new field didn’t change the outcome. Syracuse survived the Cardinal’s second penalty corner of the game and is now a perfect 20-20 in defending the corner.
Syracuse had its first quality chance as Stanford’s Emma Christus received a green card at 30:11 of the first half. Trying to take advantage, freshman Tess Queen got a shot on goal, but Kelsey Bing made the save.
Going into the locker room after the first half, Stanford led Syracuse in shots 8-7. Flashback to the matchup against Albany on Sunday, it was a tale of two games. Syracuse didn’t have a single shot on goal through the first 35 minutes. In the second, the Orange came out as a different team and recorded seven shots on goal. It was the same storyline on Friday against Stanford.
‘Cuse came out firing in the second half, outshooting Stanford 7-0 in the next 35 minutes.
The Orange began the half with its first chance on the penalty corner. On the inject, Chiara Gutsche’s pass went over the stick of Tess Queen and Syracuse wasn’t able to get a shot on goal.
On the following play, Gutsche made up for the missed opportunity. The sophomore scored her second goal of the season for the equalizer with 23:37 left in regulation. Laura Graziosi set up Gutsche perfectly in the circle to tie up contest.
Stanford was awarded two more green cards in the second, but Syracuse couldn’t take advantage on either opportunity with the extra attacker. For the first time this season, the Orange needed extra time to decide their fate.
At 5:28 of the overtime period, Chiara Gutsche took the first shot of the ten-minute overtime period and made it count. Gutsche scored her second goal of the day for the game winner, and for the 2-1 victory. The sophomore now leads the team in scoring with three goals through three games.
Syracuse continues its road trip on Friday in Charlottesville to take on No. 7 Virginia to up its 2018 ACC slate.
@samrothman_ | sbrothma@syr.edu
