Syracuse Starts NCAA Championship Play Against Penn

Game Details: Sunday, November 20, Syracuse, N.Y., 2 p.m.
Live Video: ESPN+
Live Coverage: Stats I NCAA Tournament Central
Twitter: @cuseMSOC
Syracuse Links: Notes | News | Roster | Schedule
Penn Links: Roster | Schedule

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse men's soccer returns to the NCAA Championship with a second-round matchup against Ivy League champion Penn. The Orange are back in the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2019, clinching an automatic bid after winning the ACC Championship. 'Cuse hosts an NCAA tournament match for the first time since 2019.

Syracuse earns a spot in the NCAA Championship for the eighth time in program history. The Orange have qualified for the NCAA Championship seven times under head coach Ian McIntyre. 'Cuse has an 8-5-2 record in the NCAA tournament, losing in penalties twice.

Tickets are $10 for the general public, $5 for senior citizens and youth ages 18 & under, and free for the first 200 Syracuse students with a valid student ID. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN+.

ORANGE UPDATE

Syracuse enters NCAA tournament play as a program-best No. 3 seed, going 14-2-4 and clinching the ACC title for the first time since 2015. The 14 wins are the most in a season since 2015.

In its last time out, 'Cuse captured the ACC Championship for the second time in program history, beating Clemson in the final at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Syracuse controlled possession for the majority of the match, outshooting the defending national champion 15-12.

Junior midfielder Lorenzo Boselli provided 'Cuse the lead in the 21^st minute, hitting a strike past Clemson keeper Joseph Andema. The Italian midfielder finished with two goals in the ACC tournament.

In the 38^th minute, Syracuse put the final out of reach. After a Tigers' free kick hit the Orange wall, Curt Calov took control of the rebound and sparked a counterattack. The sophomore spotted Giona Leibold, as the German wingback scored to double the Syracuse advantage.

Redshirt-senior goalkeeper Russell Shealy earned ACC Tournament MVP honors after keeping two clean sheets in three matches. The Cartersville, Georgia native was joined by Boselli, Christian Curti and Jeorgio Kocevski on the All-Tournament Team.

Defense remains the foundation of McIntyre's squad. The Orange have recorded 10 shutouts, good enough for second in the ACC. 'Cuse has only allowed 12 goals this season, the best defensive record since 2014.

SCOUTING THE QUAKERS

Penn are 13-2-2 on the season, winning the Ivy League Championship for the first time since 2013. The Quakers are led by fourth-year head coach Brian Gill. The former Georgetown assistant has a 32-18-15 in University City, leading Penn to its most wins in a season since 2010.

Forwards Ben Stitz and Stas Korzeniowski are the best attacking duo in the Ivy League, combing for 22 goals and 57 points. Goalkeeper Nick Christoffersen has only allowed 12 goals this season, posting a 0.71 goals against average.

Penn has a +31-goal difference, best of any Syracuse opponent in 2022.

THE SERIES

Sunday's meeting is just the second match between the Orange and the Quakers. The two sides first met in 1921, with Penn winning 6-1.

Syracuse Starts NCAA Championship Play Against Penn

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Players Mentioned

Lorenzo Boselli

Curt Calov

Christian Curti

Jeorgio Kocevski

Giona Leibold

Russell Shealy

Syracuse University Athletics