Orangemen Soccer Hosts Adelphi
10/9/2000 5:50:49 PM | Men's Soccer
Tonights matchup between the Syracuse Orangemen (5-4-2, 2-3-2 BIG EAST) and the 21st-ranked Adelphi Panthers (6-3-0) will have a major impact on the New York Region rankings. The Panthers, in additon to their national standing, are currently ranked second in the region, while the Orangemen enter tonights game in the sixth spot.
Syracuse has won three of its last four games, and is 3-1-2 over its last six outings. The Orangemen had a three-game winning streak snapped on Saturday with a 3-0 loss at Seton Hall. It was the fourth time this season the Orangemen have been held without a goal (0-3-1).
SU began the week in good fashion with a 3-2 win at New York rival Cornell. it was the Orangemens second consecutive victory over the Big Red, which was ranked fourth in the region at the time. Junior midfielder John Andrade had the game of his career, scoring the game-winner in the 67th minute. Andrade had a part in the Orangemens other two goals, assisting both sophomore Chris Aloisi and freshman Kirk Johnson. Andrade's four points was a career high, and was just two points shy of matching his career total entering the 2000 campaign.
Speaking of Johnson, the rookie has flashed the form that made him the NSCAA Pennsylvania Player of the Year as senior at Downingtown High School last year. After scoring just one goal in his first six collegiate games, Johnson has exploded for three goals and two assists in his last five outings. He had a three-game scoring streak snapped at Seton Hall. The newcomer leads the team with 10 points, and could become the first freshman to lead the Orangemen in scoring since Jeff Knittel in 1995.
Adelphi enters tonights game winners of its last two games. The Panthers defeated then-25th ranked Oneonta on Saturday, 2-0. They have won two consecutive shutouts, besting Long Island on October 4, 1-0. The 2-0 week was good enough to move them into the NSCAA top 25 poll.
Syracuse leads the all-time series, 11-9. The Orangemen have won the last six meetings, with Adelphis last victory over SU coming in 1993.
