2 Goals from Nanco gives Orange 3-0 Victory over Colgate
Heading into the 2016 season, all eyes were on Chris Nanco. The senior forward was targeted as the main man to replace the offensive production seen from Ben Polk and Julian Buescher.
With 3 goals on the season, including 2 against Colgate on Thursday, Nanco has certainly proven that he can take the reins offensively for SU.
Nanco’s brace and a Kenny Lassiter goal gave Syracuse its third straight victory of the season, defeating Colgate by a score of 3-0. The offense of the Orange continues to roll, as Coach Ian McIntyre’s squad has now scored 8 goals in all 3 games this season.
“I feel like coming into this season, I’m in my top shape,” said Nanco. “We needed a big role player, and I was happy to take on the challenge.”
“Our front guys – Nanco, Lassiter, and Johannas – have been getting us goals,” said Coach McIntyre.
The defense continued to shine as well, as Hendrik Hilpert recorded his second clean sheet of the season. The back three of Miles Robinson, Louis Cross, and Kamal Miller continued to impress, as Hilpert only needed to make 2 saves throughout Thursday’s game. However, one of the biggest factors that kept Colgate off the scoresheet was Mo Adams, the freshman defensive midfielder from England.
“I thought he was man of the match tonight,” said McIntyre. “That’s the best he’s played in a Syracuse shirt.”
“That holding midfield role is definitely a big part of our team,” said sophomore defender Miles Robinson. “He played well today.”
Despite the win, Coach McIntyre seemed concerned with his squad’s lack of attention early in the match. Syracuse did outshoot Colgate in the first half 5-1, but that was not enough to please the man entering his 7th year as SU head coach.
“I was disappointed with us first half,” said McIntyre. “It still looked like we were in classroom mode.”
Even though Syracuse has looked impressive during the early parts of this season, both the players and coaches realize there is a lot to improve on before ACC play gets underway. And if Syracuse continues to improve on what they have already shown this year, the Orange could play better than their number 6 ranking indicates.
