Syracuse men’s lacrosse vs. Jacksonville preview
By Dan Shalam | @Dan_Shalam
In just over 24 hours, SU men’s lacrosse will open its season against Jacksonville with one goal in mind, make it to championship weekend. The Orange, 11-time national champions, haven’t been back to Memorial Day weekend since 2013. Before even thinking about that though, SU has a full 14-game slate ahead of itself starting with the Dolphins tomorrow. So, what are the main storylines of the matchup, and will this one be close? Let’s take a look into all of that and more.
Dome dominance:
All-time, Syracuse is 29-3 in openers since the Dome opened. Under head coach Garry Gait, the Orange are a perfect 3-0 in openers. Overall, SU is 270-54 since the 1981 season following a 20-15 win over 12th-seeded Towson last year. The Orange seek to find the same home dominance it had last year in the new campaign. In 2024, SU went 8-2 at home. That number is the most since Syracuse went 8-1 in the Dome back in 2016. This year will be a big test to see if SU can keep up the same supremacy at home, as it notably welcomes 17th-ranked Towson, eighth-ranked Johns Hopkins, top-ranked Notre Dame, and 16th-ranked 16th-ranked North Carolina all to the Dome.
John Galloway’s return:
The big storyline from Jacksonville’s side of things is that the head coach of the Dolphins, John Galloway, played goaltender for Syracuse from 2008-2011. In his time at SU, the goalie snatched two national championships in 2008 and ‘09. The West Gennesee native was the only goalie in Syracuse history to earn first-team all-american honors twice. Galloway is also sits as SU’s all-time in leader in wins and minutes played by a goalie.
Dolphins making noise:
Since Galloway took over the program in 2016, the Dolphins have been put on the map. The former SU goalie has notably led Jackonsville to its first national ranking in 2022, led the squad to three straight double digit win seasons, and captured the program’s first ever ASUN regualr season championship last year.
Veteran Orange’s:
SU’s attacking unit is led by no one other than number 22, Joey Spallina. The junior is coming off an 88-point season in 2024, the most in program history by a Sophomore. Spallina made the ACC Preseason squad, while also being named a first-team preseason All-American by Inside Lacrosse. You also can’t forget about attackmen Owen Hiltz. The redshirt senior had 65 points this past season and brought a veteran presence to the SU locker room. It’s also worth noting that Hiltz received preseason All-American honorable mention honors. The Orange have arguably the most depth in a midfield heading into the new campaign. SU is led by Sam English and Michael Leo, both more than experienced players. English had 34 points last year and started in all 18 games in the midfield. As for Leo, he finished the year with 37 points, also starting each of SU’s contests. English was named to the preseason All-American second team, with Leo earning third-team honors. The big thing for both the midfield and attacking units is veteran experience, something this squad didn’t have a couple of years ago.
Recap:
The Orange should handle the Dolphins and stay an undefeated 4-0 under Garry Gait in home openers barring a major upset tomorrow. Regardless of what happens, the anticipation for the 2025 season is at an all-time high. It all starts tomorrow against Jacksonville, with the goal being to make it back to championship weekend for the first time in over a decade.
