No. 1 Orange Travel to No. 20 Penn State Friday

Game Details: Friday, Sept. 1, University, Pa., 6 p.m.
Live Video: Big Ten Network
Live Coverage: Stats
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Penn State Links: Roster | Schedule

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – No. 1 Syracuse looks to continue its hot start in 2023 as the team heads on the road for the first time to face No. 20 Penn State on Friday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m.

The defending national champion Orange will attempt to win the first three matches of the year for the first time since 2016.

Friday's game will be live on the Big Ten Network, marking the second straight match that 'Cuse is on linear networks.

'Cuse Update
Syracuse extended its unbeaten streak to 16 matches after a 3-0 win over Binghamton Monday evening. The Orange controlled the game, outshooting the Bearcats, 17-1. 'Cuse has also recorded eight shots on target in both contests to begin the year.

Syracuse applied pressure throughout the first half with 11 shot attempts but were unable to capitalize until the 28th minute. Senior Gabriel Mikina took advantage of an open net opportunity for his first goal in a Syracuse kit.

Graduate student Josh Belluz and senior Lorenzo Boselli both found the back of goal with headers in the final 45 minutes of action.

The backline continued its strong start to the year, holding Binghamton to one shot attempt, which came in the 85th minute.

Clean Sheet Through 180
Syracuse has not allowed a goal through the first 180 minutes of the 2023 season, marking the second straight year achieving the feat.

This is the first time since 2013-14 that the Orange have recorded clean sheets in the first two contests in back-to-back seasons.

Junior Jason Smith became the first keeper since Alex Bono in 2012 to begin his Syracuse career with a pair of shutouts in the opening two matches of the season.

Scouting the Nittany Lions
Jeff Cook is in his sixth year as the head coach of the Penn State men's soccer program. The Nittany Lions began the 2023 year with a 1-1 tie against No. 5 Pittsburgh in the Steel City before defeating Le Moyne, 4-0, on Aug. 27. Van Danielson leads Penn State with two goals, finding the back of the net in both matches. Caden Grabfelder is second on the team with three points, tallying a goal and assist in the match against the Dolphins.

Series History
Friday's match will be the 40th all-time meeting between Syracuse and Penn State. The Nittany Lions hold a 31-4-4 advantage in the series, with the Orange winning three of the last four matches.

Last season, the Orange completed the upset of the then-No. 21 Nittany Lions with a dominant 1-0 victory at the SU Soccer Stadium. Colin Biros scored the game-winning goal in the 80th minute to seal with win for 'Cuse. Syracuse outshot Penn State, 29-10, holding the Nittany Lions to just four shots on target.

Head coach Ian McIntyre holds an 8-1 record against Big Ten opponents after victories over Penn State and Indiana last season.

Up Next
Syracuse returns home to face UAlbany on Monday, Sept. 4, in the first of three straight home matches. Kick-off against the Great Danes is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ACC Network Extra).

Syracuse men's soccer is presented by Industry Standard USA.

For complete coverage of Syracuse men's soccer, follow us on Facebook (/cusemsoc), Twitter (@CuseMSOC) and Instagram (@cusemsoc).

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Players Mentioned

Josh Belluz

Colin Biros

Lorenzo Boselli

Gabriel Mikina

Jason Smith

Syracuse University Athletics