New Look Defense Gels vs. Binghamton
2/16/2020 2:18:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
With All-American defenseman Nick Mellen sidelined on Saturday, the new-look Orange defense held Binghamton to just four goals, the fewest since an April 2018 victory over Hobart.
While the starting close defense combination of Nick DiPietro, Brett Kennedy and Grant Murphy was the first time the unit had all started a game together, the group had benefited from plenty of practice experience together. The trio was among a handful of players competing for playing time throughout the preseason and the bevy of talent was on full display on Saturday.
"We've been rotating five or six guys all year," Murphy said. "It stinks not having Mellen, he's a phenomenal player, but it's not like we're throwing a fresh unit out. I got the start today, but it's not like I'm a new face, we've been gelling together for the past few weeks."
Murphy stepped right in and caused two turnovers and picked up three ground balls. Both of which were career highs.
DiPietro and Kennedy, who are both redshirt-juniors and Murphy, a junior, know the need to prepare depth at every position. It was the second time Murphy has been called upon to hop into the starting lineup as he filled in for Tyson Bomberry in the Army game last season and Kennedy did the same in 2018.
Their first act together went about as well as possible, limiting Binghamton to just 15 shots on cage, 11 of which were turned away by Drake Porter.
"It was nice for us to be most stingy defensively and keep them to just four goals on the scoreboard," said Head Coach John Desko. "I really saw a lot more communication. I know the guys worked hard all week on that with Coach Rogers and I could really see it today. I think it was mostly the talk and the decision making."
They also benefited from 'Cuse controlling possessions as the faceoff unit won 21-of-25 faceoffs and helped control the opportunities Binghamton got to start, but the defensive unit was up to the task and got even better as the game went on, allowing just two goals over the final 45 minutes.
Syracuse is back in action on Sunday, Feb. 23 when Army comes to town and it will be the biggest test yet for the SU defense. Army ranks second nationally in scoring margin through its first three games, averaging 17 goals per game and outscoring opponents by a combined total of 51-9.
Fans can catch the action live through a number of ticket promotions. Single-game tickets are available at a discount rate if you purchase today as part of the Orange's When We Win, YOU Win promotion: Purchase here. Youth teams can go for free by registering here as part of Youth and Team Day. Active duty military and military veterans can also purchase tickets for $5 at the Dome on game day.Â
Tickets are available at Cuse.com/Tickets, by calling 888-DOME-TIX or in person at the Ensley Athletic Center Box Office or the Dome (on game day). Student tickets are free with a valid student ID.
While the starting close defense combination of Nick DiPietro, Brett Kennedy and Grant Murphy was the first time the unit had all started a game together, the group had benefited from plenty of practice experience together. The trio was among a handful of players competing for playing time throughout the preseason and the bevy of talent was on full display on Saturday.
"We've been rotating five or six guys all year," Murphy said. "It stinks not having Mellen, he's a phenomenal player, but it's not like we're throwing a fresh unit out. I got the start today, but it's not like I'm a new face, we've been gelling together for the past few weeks."
Murphy stepped right in and caused two turnovers and picked up three ground balls. Both of which were career highs.
DiPietro and Kennedy, who are both redshirt-juniors and Murphy, a junior, know the need to prepare depth at every position. It was the second time Murphy has been called upon to hop into the starting lineup as he filled in for Tyson Bomberry in the Army game last season and Kennedy did the same in 2018.
Their first act together went about as well as possible, limiting Binghamton to just 15 shots on cage, 11 of which were turned away by Drake Porter.
"It was nice for us to be most stingy defensively and keep them to just four goals on the scoreboard," said Head Coach John Desko. "I really saw a lot more communication. I know the guys worked hard all week on that with Coach Rogers and I could really see it today. I think it was mostly the talk and the decision making."
They also benefited from 'Cuse controlling possessions as the faceoff unit won 21-of-25 faceoffs and helped control the opportunities Binghamton got to start, but the defensive unit was up to the task and got even better as the game went on, allowing just two goals over the final 45 minutes.
Syracuse is back in action on Sunday, Feb. 23 when Army comes to town and it will be the biggest test yet for the SU defense. Army ranks second nationally in scoring margin through its first three games, averaging 17 goals per game and outscoring opponents by a combined total of 51-9.
Fans can catch the action live through a number of ticket promotions. Single-game tickets are available at a discount rate if you purchase today as part of the Orange's When We Win, YOU Win promotion: Purchase here. Youth teams can go for free by registering here as part of Youth and Team Day. Active duty military and military veterans can also purchase tickets for $5 at the Dome on game day.Â
Tickets are available at Cuse.com/Tickets, by calling 888-DOME-TIX or in person at the Ensley Athletic Center Box Office or the Dome (on game day). Student tickets are free with a valid student ID.
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