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During Syracuse’s 2022 national championship, its winning formula was simple. The Orange built a stout backline and relied on individual moments of brilliance from attackers Nathan Opoku and Levonte Johnson. The two combined for 22 goals and 14 assists in 25 games, totaling 40% of SU’s goal contributions.

Two years removed from its first-ever national title, SU is still searching for a go-to option. Last season, Lorenzo Boselli emerged as a goal-scoring threat. He scored five goals in the first eight games, but tailed off towards the end of the season, with just one in his last 12 games. Nicholas Kaloukian showed bright spots with six goals in 2023. With an inexperienced team, Kaloukian has been asked to shoulder a large portion of the offensive load.

So far it’s seen mixed results, but in conference play SU’s been hindered by its failure to put the ball in the back of the net. In its four Atlantic Coast Conference games, the Orange have yet to record multiple tallies. And it came back to bite the Orange yet again Friday.

Syracuse’s (3-4-3, 0-2-2 ACC) offensive struggles were at the forefront of its 2-1 loss to Wake Forest (3-3-3, 1-1-1 ACC). Sam Layton volleyed home an improbable goal to put SU in front, though his effort would be nullified with two goals in two minutes. The Orange recorded 15 shots (five on goal), while Wake Forest fired off 24, nine of which reached the target.

“We’ll learn from this. But it’s certainly painful,” Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre said postgame.

Kaloukian has been the mainstay up top this season, starting all 10 games. He’s often the outlet for SU’s offense, utilized as a safety valve for defenders when they don’t have any passing options. Most of the time, Kaloukian plays with his back to the goal, using his strength to shield defenders and initiate attacks. He constantly looks for runners around him to flick the ball to or if he’s able to, Kaloukian turns up field and drives with the ball.

As the main option, Kaloukian often draws multiple defenders, though he knows he uses his body well and is well-suited for the role. With Kaloukian taking most of the attention, he looked to another attacker to benefit.

SU thrived off the two-man play of Johnson and Opoku in 2022, but has yet to find someone to pair Kaloukian with.

Division II transfer Michael Acquah has started eight games alongside Kaloukian. Despite having three assists on the season, Acquah has no goals to show for it. Ernest Bawa was brought in from ACC rivals North Carolina, but has yet to have a goal contribution in nine appearances.

Daniel Burko has shown flashes with two goals in nine appearances. Since scoring his first SU goal against Canisius on Sept. 17, he’s started the last three games. The striker scored in his first start on the road against Louisville, but he couldn’t get much going Friday.

He nearly put Syracuse up 2-0 a couple minutes after Layton’s opener. Burko unleashed a curling effort from the left side of the 18-yard box that whisked just wide. In the ensuing minutes, Syracuse capitulated.

Dylan Borso squeezed a low shot past Tomas Hut to equalize in the 78th minute before Basit Umar put the Demon Deacons in front exactly two minutes later. It was a clinical display from Wake Forest. The exact opposite of what Syracuse has shown this season.

“We created a lot of chances,” Kaloukian said. “We should have put away a few, but again, it’s a great positive that they were creating that many chances.”

The first major chance of the night came Kaloukian’s way in the 10th minute. Chimere Omeze weaved through a couple defenders before slotting in Kaloukian along the right side. Wake Forest goalkeeper Trace Alphin charged out to cut down the angle. Kaloukian tried to sneak the ball in at the near post, but was thwarted.

Outside of Kaloukian’s effort, there wasn’t much to show for the Orange in the first half. They finished with three shots on target through 45 minutes, but Alphin was rarely tested in net. When Syracuse did create chances, it came from out wide. Kaloukian pointed out postgame that it was a point of emphasis to use the width due to Wake Forest’s narrow formation.

It resulted in plenty of dangerous moments for SU in Wake Forest’s final third, but its consistency in the final third was its downfall. In the 52nd minute, Kaloukian initiated an attack down the left wing, driving hard at Wake Forest’s defense. He flicked a cross into the box looking for Bawa, who extended to try and reach the ball. Bawa made contact but couldn’t direct it goalwards.

Seven minutes later, Sachiel Ming got a crack at a free kick from 20 yards out following a hand ball. Ming was in a prime position to score, yet blasted his shot way over the crossbar.

It wasn’t until the 66th minute when Layton hammered home the opener. The ball ping ponged around before the center back laced a shot out of the air, which bounced off the post and in. Layton’s effort would be Syracuse’s last shot on goal in the match.

It failed to find a second and paid the price. The same happened in its previous ACC games. The Orange squandered 1-0 leads against Boston College and Louisville, both games resulted in draws. For the first time Friday, it led to a loss.

“This is ACC play, and if you don’t put them away, you get punished,” Kaloukian said.

Published on September 28, 2024 at 12:09 am

Contact Zak: zakwolf784254@gmail.com | @ZakWolf22