Syracuse Men’s Soccer Starts its First Win Streak of the Season with a 2-1 Win Over Providence

By Josh Richardson @joshrichy_04

It’s no secret that the first half of the season for Syracuse Men’s Soccer didn’t go the way it hoped. After starting the year 2-0, SU dropped or drew 6 of its next 7. Now, the Orange are returning to form and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Syracuse beat Providence 2-1 last night to grab its third straight win of the year. 

The Orange started off the game hot. Less than 20 seconds in, SU had a chance near the goal. Freshman Chimere Omeze got a shot blocked just outside the 18-yard box, but Sam Layton had a chance to rebound it back in. The midfielder pushed it just off the left post and the Friars cleared the ball out, but that type of aggressiveness from the Orange continued throughout the match. 15 minutes later, a beautiful cross from Braedon Smith landed right at the feet of Carlos Zambrano for his first career goal in Orange. 

After leading at the half 1-0, it was smooth sailing…. For about 10 minutes. The Friars equalized the contest with a goal from Steban Betancur Lopera in the 59th minute. Syracuse needed a response to not fall victim to its achilles heel all season: late-game goals that prevented it from winning. Instead, for the first time this season, the Orange scored off a set piece. Elton Chifamba had a freekick from the left corner that he placed perfectly on the doorstep for freshman Chimere Omeze to produce the go-ahead goal for SU. That goal ties the freshman for the team lead. Omeze has been productive all season on the offensive side of the ball while being a defenseman. 

Syracuse gets a week off before a match back home against Loyola, on Tuesday night at 7. The Greyhounds come in just 2-6-3 on the season, while the Orange keep stacking wins in hope of a national tournament push.