Defense Sparks Orange Dominance

The Syracuse defense hounded the Great Danes early and often on Saturday, limiting a No. 14 Albany team that averaged nearly 15 goals per game last year to five – the lowest allowed by Syracuse vs. a ranked team since the 2012 BIG EAST Tournament vs. Notre Dame.

Tyson Bomberry headlined the unit, drawing the anticipated matchup of Tehoka Nanticoke. Bomberry bullied the All-American attackman by limiting him to two goals. Nick Mellen and Marcus Cunningham combined to hold the Great Danes other two starting attackman to one combined assist, while Drake Porter made 12 saves, allowing just five goals.

"I think our communication was much better this week," Bomberry said. "All week we stressed communication and sticking to our game plan and I think we did a very good job this week in not getting away from it."

The unit was physical and focused, playing with an exceptional edge that led to the team earning 44 ground balls to the Great Danes' 24. The 44 ground balls were also the most since 'Cuse collected 50 in the 2017 season opener against Siena.

The physical play was evident as tensions rose at numerous points in the game, no more than when Nanticoke buried over Porter during crease dive that was ruled a push on the Orange, allowing the goal. A questionable call that fired up the Orange bench, resulting in a tussle between the teams in front of the cage.

"I love to see the aggression on defense," Porter said. "My boys were getting after it in front of me today… I think the fact that he had to dive on that play was a testament to how well we played him. He didn't have any angle and had to come underneath."

The win avenged a 15-3 loss to Albany nearly a year ago to the day and righted the ship after a season-opening loss to Colgate. The defensive unit was determined not to let either of those feelings linger.

"That definitely fueled the fire," Bomberry said. "You never want to lose at home, especially in an embarrassing loss like last year. I think we had that game in the back of our minds all week and had that hate because we didn't want to feel that way again."

Syracuse is back in action at home on Sunday, Feb. 24 when Army travels to the Dome. The opening faceoff is at 4 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.

Season tickets remain the best value to watch the Orange this season. At just $65 for adults and $35 for youth (12 and under) fans can purchase season tickets. Season tickets are in the reserved section behind the team's bench and come with other benefits during the season which are exclusive to season ticket holders.

Individual game tickets are also available at $15 for adults and $10 for youth.

Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Tyson Bomberry

Marcus Cunningham

Nick Mellen

Drake Porter

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