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Syracuse men’s soccer rose to No. 7 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, which was released Tuesday. The Orange began the season ranked No. 25, but rose 18 spots following two wins.

SU opened the season on Aug. 22, defeating Colgate 1-0. The Orange and Raiders remained deadlocked for 87 minutes until Chimere Omeze scored the game-winner. Omeze hit the post on his initial header but slotted home the rebound.

Tomas Hut was key in net for Syracuse. He saved all four of Colgate’s shots in his appearance for the Orange. Hut was one of SU’s backups in 2023 after transferring from Army. Though he earned a spot in the starting lineup during the summer, according to head coach Ian McIntyre.

Three days later, Syracuse took down Niagara 3-0 in its home opener. Ezra Widman opened up the scoring with his first-career goal in the 26th minute. Omeze doubled SU’s advantage with a header less than 10 minutes later. Nicholas Kaloukian scored a third in the second half to seal the victory.

The Orange outshot the Purple Eagles 28-2 and controlled the pace throughout. The back line of Omeze, Sam Layton and Andre Cutler-DeJesus kept Niagara’s offense quiet.

Syracuse faces a big test Thursday when it takes on Charlotte, which is coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance. The 49ers are also the preseason favorites in the American Athletic Conference.

Published on August 27, 2024 at 4:25 pm

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