5 Things To Know About Syracuse vs. Army
2/17/2021 8:52:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Syracuse's long-awaited season opener is finally here this weekend, when Syracuse hosts Army on Sunday in the Dome. Here are five things to know about the matchup:
1. Sunday's game will end the longest drought between lacrosse contests on Syracuse's campus since WWII
When the Orange take the field on Sunday, it'll be their first time playing against an opponent in 351 days and their first home game in 359 days. Syracuse last took the field on March 7, 2020 in a dominant win over Johns Hopkins, but the 2020 season was then canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic also altered how Syracuse prepares for a season. In a typical year, Syracuse will play multiple fall contests against other teams and usually hosts at least two scrimmages each spring prior to its first regular season game. This season, there were no scrimmages or fall contests against opponents, so this will be Syracuse's first time playing someone other than themselves since that Hopkins game last March.
The last time Syracuse went nearly a full calendar year without a lacrosse game was when WWII cancelled the 1943-45 seasons.
2. It'll be the first of many games against a ranked opponent this season
Syracuse is currently ranked No. 4 in the USILA and Inside Lacrosse polls, while Army is ranked No. 12/13 respectively in each poll, making this one of the most difficult season openers in recent memory.
Syracuse has not faced a ranked team to open the season since 2011, when they hosted then No. 13 Denver and beat the Pioneers 13-7.
3. Always a challenge
The last five games between Syracuse and Army have been decided by a total of seven goals. The Orange have won their last two meetings by two goals, including a 9-7 victory last season.
There hasn't been a blowout victory by either side in this series in a decade, when the Orange won the Feb. 2010 meeting by five. Eight of last-10 matchups have been decided by two goals or less.
The Black Knights have a 40-27 edge in the all-time series, but Syracuse owns the recent history. 'Cuse is 16-3 vs. Army in the 19 meetings they've faced each other under head coach John Desko.
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4. Strong in Openers
Syracuse owns a record of 81-20 in season openers, including a 20-2 mark under Desko.
Since the Dome opened in 1980, the Orange are 26-2 in season opening contests that take place there. SU defeated Colgate 21-14 in last year's opener.
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5. Empty to Start
Fans will not be permitted to attend Sunday's men's lacrosse season opener. Syracuse University continues to seek counsel and support from New York State as we work toward safely reopening the stadium - first to a small group of students, and eventually to more fans from the broader community, public health permitting. At the heart of our reopening plan is safeguarding the health, well-being and safety of the campus and surrounding communities. We appreciate the guidance we have received from New York State Department of Health and the Onondaga County Health Department and look forward to eventually welcoming spectators into the stadium for athletic competitions.
When fans are permitted back to Syracuse lacrosse, Syracuse athletics will communicate information on purchasing tickets to our loyal fans.
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1. Sunday's game will end the longest drought between lacrosse contests on Syracuse's campus since WWII
When the Orange take the field on Sunday, it'll be their first time playing against an opponent in 351 days and their first home game in 359 days. Syracuse last took the field on March 7, 2020 in a dominant win over Johns Hopkins, but the 2020 season was then canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic also altered how Syracuse prepares for a season. In a typical year, Syracuse will play multiple fall contests against other teams and usually hosts at least two scrimmages each spring prior to its first regular season game. This season, there were no scrimmages or fall contests against opponents, so this will be Syracuse's first time playing someone other than themselves since that Hopkins game last March.
The last time Syracuse went nearly a full calendar year without a lacrosse game was when WWII cancelled the 1943-45 seasons.
2. It'll be the first of many games against a ranked opponent this season
Syracuse is currently ranked No. 4 in the USILA and Inside Lacrosse polls, while Army is ranked No. 12/13 respectively in each poll, making this one of the most difficult season openers in recent memory.
Syracuse has not faced a ranked team to open the season since 2011, when they hosted then No. 13 Denver and beat the Pioneers 13-7.
3. Always a challenge
The last five games between Syracuse and Army have been decided by a total of seven goals. The Orange have won their last two meetings by two goals, including a 9-7 victory last season.
There hasn't been a blowout victory by either side in this series in a decade, when the Orange won the Feb. 2010 meeting by five. Eight of last-10 matchups have been decided by two goals or less.
The Black Knights have a 40-27 edge in the all-time series, but Syracuse owns the recent history. 'Cuse is 16-3 vs. Army in the 19 meetings they've faced each other under head coach John Desko.
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4. Strong in Openers
Syracuse owns a record of 81-20 in season openers, including a 20-2 mark under Desko.
Since the Dome opened in 1980, the Orange are 26-2 in season opening contests that take place there. SU defeated Colgate 21-14 in last year's opener.
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5. Empty to Start
Fans will not be permitted to attend Sunday's men's lacrosse season opener. Syracuse University continues to seek counsel and support from New York State as we work toward safely reopening the stadium - first to a small group of students, and eventually to more fans from the broader community, public health permitting. At the heart of our reopening plan is safeguarding the health, well-being and safety of the campus and surrounding communities. We appreciate the guidance we have received from New York State Department of Health and the Onondaga County Health Department and look forward to eventually welcoming spectators into the stadium for athletic competitions.
When fans are permitted back to Syracuse lacrosse, Syracuse athletics will communicate information on purchasing tickets to our loyal fans.
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MLAX | Postgame Press Conference at Denver
Tuesday, March 17
Highlights | Syracuse vs. Denver
Monday, March 16
Press Conference | Men's Lacrosse at Air Force
Friday, March 13
Highlights | Syracuse at Air Force
Thursday, March 12
