SU Men’s Soccer Takes Down Connecticut 1-0

By Nick Kuzma

CitrusTV Men’s Soccer Beat Reporter

The Syracuse Men’s Soccer team came into its matchup with Connecticut focused on not letting themselves down after a big weekend. SU defeated No.18 UNC 4-3 on Saturday in an epic comeback, sparked by Ryan Raposo’s hat trick.

“We played an emotional game on Saturday down in Carolina, short turn around, and to work that hard against a good—that’s a talented group of players—[I’m happy],” said SU head coach Ian McIntyre.

Tuesday was a different story, featuring a lower scoring contest with a 0-0 tie at halftime. Syracuse had a handle on the pace of play, taking six more shots and five more corner kicks than Connecticut through the first 45 minutes,

The Orange finally broke through in the 55th minute and that is all Syracuse (5-3-4, 1-2-2 Atlantic Coast) would need to beat Connecticut (4-8-1, 1-2-0 Big East) 1-0 at the SU Soccer Stadium.

Massimo Ferrin lined up for a corner kick after UCONN knocked the ball past the goal line. The forward did not disappoint as he launched the ball into the box and found Sondre Norheim, who headed the ball into the net to give the Orange the lead.

Norheim and Ferrin are starting to be a great tandem for Syracuse as they teamed up for a goal on Saturday as well.

“I know the areas that they’re looking for, that they feel comfortable going to,” said Ferrin about his approach on set pieces.

That service was the senior’s fourth assist of the season.

Despite being a scorer by trade, Ferrin loves being able to make long set piece kicks and giving his teammates a chance to score.

“I love free kicks and stuff around the box, that’s always been something that I love to do,” said Ferrin.

Syracuse remains undefeated at home this season, posting a 3-0-4 record in SU Soccer Stadium.

“It’s always different to play at home,” said Norheim. “I just think knowing the field, knowing the surface and everything it’s different to play at home then away.”

The Orange will play their next two matches at home in the final regular season games played at SU Soccer Stadium this year. Tuesday’s contest with UCONN was Syracuse’s final non-conference opponent this regular season.

“We got a big win away on the road in North Carolina, [it] gave us some confidence, followed up by a big performance today,” said Ferrin. “So, now I think as a team we’re starting to – a little bit later on in the year – really get the feeling that we can be a very very good team that does well and has a chance to win championships.”

Syracuse will put that confidence to the test when its welcome No. 8 Clemson (10-1-1, 3-1-1) on Saturday at 7 p.m.

npkuzma@syr.edu | @nkuz71