Hoffmann, Defense Lead Syracuse to Massive Win over Louisville

By Patrick Gunn

CitrusTV Field Hockey Beat Reporter

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For the third time this season, Syracuse Field Hockey took a top-five team on the road into overtime, thanks to a fantastic defensive performance.

Carolin Hoffmann scored her second goal of the game off Chiara Gutsche’s second great feed in transition as No. 14 Syracuse (12-5, 3-3 Atlantic Coast) stuns No. 5 Louisville (14-4, 3-3 Atlantic Coast) 2-1 in overtime. The Orange finish their regular season with their fourth-straight win and seventh overtime victory of the season.

The Syracuse backs made a fantastic effort to stop Louisville from executing on several opportunities inside the Orange’s circle. The Orange limited the scoring opportunities for a deep Cardinals offense, who came into the game with five players scoring at least four goals, as Louisville only outshot Syracuse 8-5.

Louisville ended up only mustering one goal in the game. Biz Allgeier found the back of the net after Sara Sinck blocked the initial shot on the Cardinal’s only penalty corner of the game.

Aside from that goal, Sinck was a step ahead of Louisville all game. The freshman goalkeeper made four saves and consistently stepped up against the Cardinals’ pressure.

This was another game where Charlotte de Vries was held in check, taking just three shots. This is also her second straight game without a goal. The Cardinals gave de Vries special attention, constantly putting double-teams on the freshman forward.

However, Syracuse was still able to take advantage of their opportunities. Gutsche got the ball in transition at the end of the third quarter and found Hoffmann in front of the net to tie the score.

The game-winning goal came on an almost identical play. Gutsche got the ball in transition and took it herself into the circle. She drew enough Cardinal defenders towards her, allowing Hoffmann to be wide open in front of the net. Hoffmann got the pass and tipped in the goal to out the Orange up for good.

This is Syracuse’s second straight win without de Vries scoring, proving once again that they can find ways to score without their star posting massive numbers. The Orange also held up defensively against a fantastic opponent, picking up a huge third conference win. This victory could make selection Sunday a little calmer for SU.

Syracuse will face Louisville again on Thursday in the first round of the ACC tournament in Chestnut Hill

pagunn@syr.edu | @patgunner_