No. 12 Syracuse (2-1) battles No. 4 Virginia (4-0) in Charlottesville, Virginia. Sunday at 3 p.m. The Orange is coming off a triple-overtime win over No. 13 Army in which SU was lifted by a game-winning goal from Ryan Simmons that was made possible by a successful clear attempt from Syracuse goalkeeper Dom Madonna. The Virginia matchup is each of the two teams’ first glimpse at an ACC opponent.

Here’s what the beat writers think will be the outcome of the game.

Charlie DiSturco
Cava-tears
Syracuse 13, Virginia 12

This Syracuse team is a rollercoaster ride. In the first half of last week’s game, SU had just one goal and was dominated at the faceoff X before hitting its stride and winning in triple overtime. The first few weeks has been full of kinks that head coach John Desko is figuring out and slowly the Orange is regaining its form. The defense is its strongest link and will be crucial in stopping Virginia’s fast-paced offense. The biggest question mark is if Danny Varello can bounce back from two weak performances at the faceoff X when he faces transfer Justin Schwenk. Possession is always the key and, in a competitive ACC matchup, I expect Varello to finally break out in his first full season as the starting faceoff specialist. The last time these two teams played, Syracuse came from behind to hit a game-winner with 15 seconds left. And in another tight one-goal game, SU will come from behind in similar fashion to last week’s Army matchup, and hit a game-winner late.

Matt Liberman
This Ain’t Basketball
Syracuse 14 Virginia 12

In short, Virginia’s defense is bad. The Cavaliers allow 11.75 goals per game, including 12 to a winless High Point squad. Neither Griffin Thompson nor Alex Rode are studs in the cage, as they have combined to save just 48.9 percent of shots on goal. Virginia’s advantage in this matchup comes with Justin Schwenk at the faceoff X, who has won two-thirds of his faceoffs this season. But Syracuse proved against Army that it can beat a great team without winning the majority of faceoffs. SU’s defense is stellar, even without Tyson Bomberry and Andrew Helmer, who will both likely miss this contest due to injury said head coach John Desko. As long as Nick Mellen and Dom Madonna are on the field, and Connor Fields and Tehoka Nanticoke aren’t on the opposing side, I like the Orange’s chances down in Charlottesville.

Josh Schafer
No Lebron no problem
Virginia 13 Syracuse 10

Syracuse’s offense hasn’t played consistent yet this year. After posting 21 goals in its first game against Binghamton, SU scored four goals in its next six quarters of play. SU excelled offensively in the second half against Army and will have a good opportunity to continue its scoring against Virginia, which is 51st in the nation in scoring defense. While Virginia allows 11.75 goals per game, its faceoff specialist, Justin Schwenk, wins 66.7 percent of his draws. When SU had trouble getting possessions against Albany, it couldn’t keep pace with the Great Danes. With another Top 10 faceoff opponent this week SU will need to execute on the chances it gets and it may not have enough.

Published on March 3, 2018 at 2:27 pm