Syracuse finishing struggles continue; SU edged by Virginia Tech 1-0.

BLACKSBURG, V.A. – 25 minutes into the game Syracuse was tied 0-0 with a solid team in Virginia Tech.  At that same time was when the Hokies came inches away from taking the lead.  Shea Vanderbosch once again saved the Orange by keeping the ball from crossing the line by just a few strands of grass. 

But before that moment SU looked good.  The Cuse had created multiple opportunities, many of which were brilliantly saved by the Hokies keeper, Lauren Hargrove.  Although Virginia Tech did have the majority of the ball in the first 25 minutes, they looked uncreative and the SU back line foiled any chances thrown at them.

But as soon as Virginia Tech nearly scored the Orange attack went cold.  That led to the back line only facing more pressure.  Even though the Cuse defenders continued to impress, one unlucky break in the 41st minute was the decider.  Off of a corner kick Shea Vanderbosch went to punch the ball, but in the process ran into another player.  As a result Vanderbosch barely got anything on the punch and the ball bounced off multiple players in the box straight to Allie George, who buried the goal.  After that SU struggled to have any big opportunities although it fought to the final whistle.  In the end Syracuse (6-3-1, 0-2 Atlantic Coast) fell to the hands of Virginia Tech (7-2-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast) 1-0.  

It’s hard to be happy as a Syracuse fan when the team starts 0-2 in ACC play, but the Orange have showed some promising signs.  Both today and against SMU chances have been coming.  If these opportunities start hitting the back of the net, teams are going to have to watch out.  It’s absolutely critical that the Cuse bring the goals in its next game because the teams squares off against No 3 Florida State.  Last season the Orange only lost 3-2 when the Seminoles were ranked 3rd, so expect a big fight in Tallahassee.  Game time is Thursday at 7.

eweiss10@syr.edu | @TimmyWeiss3