Orange, Hokies Play to 1-1 Draw

Saturday, October 24

Blacksburg, VA

7 PM

Syracuse University

0-2-2, 0-2-2

Virginia Tech

0-1-2, 0-1-2

Syracuse

Virginia Tech

10/24/2020 10:41:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Russell Shealy made a career-high eight saves in Syracuse men's soccer's 1-1 tie at Virginia Tech on Saturday, Oct. 24. Four of his saves came in overtime to help preserve the tie.

HOW IT HAPPENED
All of the scoring happened in the first half. Syracuse (0-2-2) took the lead in the 14th minute off a set piece. Sophomore Noah Singelmann served the ball into the box off a corner kick where senior Sondre Norheim headed the ball into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

The Hokies answered in the 28th minute. Landon Ameres passed the ball across the box to Nick Blacklock, who scored from the right side to even the score at 1-1.

Both teams had scoring chances to start the second half, but couldn't take advantage of its opportunities. The Orange were forced to play a man down after a second yellow card was issued to Amferny Sinclair at 67:05. The Hokies were the more dangerous team for the remainder of regulation, but Syracuse successfully defended against three corner kicks and allowed just one shot on frame to force overtime.

Virginia Tech (0-1-2) controlled possession in the first extra session and tested Shealy, who made four saves in the period. Neither team could get a shot on goal in the second overtime as both squads recorded their second consecutive ties.

"I'm very proud of the guys," Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre said. "They left everything on the field and they deserved to take something from this game. The red card changed the game. I thought it was a harsh decision on that play. You go down and we were playing good soccer and creating chances. The guys dug so deep. That was about heart and character. I'm proud to come out with a well-deserved point."

OF NOTE
Shealy, who transferred to Syracuse this season from Maryland, made his first appearance for the Orange. His previous career high in saves was two, which he did three times for the Terrapins.

All four of Syracuse's matches this season have been decided a by one goal or less. Three of the four games have gone to overtime.

UP NEXT
Syracuse continues its stretch of three consecutive road matches on Friday, Oct. 30 when it takes on Virginia in Charlottesville.