Late Goal Lifts #25 Orange Over Colgate

Thursday, August 22

Hamilton, NY

7:00 PM

Syracuse University

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Colgate

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Syracuse

Colgate

8/22/2024 10:10:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score Highlights Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - A late goal by Chimere Omeze propelled the No. 25 Syracuse men's soccer team over Colgate, 1-0, on Thursday night at Beyer-Small '76 Field.

The Orange outshot the Raiders, 16-4, in the game, but could not find the back of the net until the freshman Omeze broke a 0-0 deadlock to give 'Cuse its first win of the season.

CHIMERE OMEZE.

1-0, Orange 🍊#DareToDream pic.twitter.com/Z8VRcK33st
— Syracuse Men's Soccer (@CuseMSOC) August 23, 2024

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Although it controlled possession in the majority of the first half, scoring attempts were quiet early on for 'Cuse, with the team's lone shot coming off the foot of Ernest Bawa 20 seconds in the game. The Orange then slowed down on their scoring push until the 15^th minute, when Bawa opened what would become six-straight shots for 'Cuse.

The Orange defense was able to contain Colgate in the first 45 minutes of the game, holding the Raiders to just two shots in the half.

Tomas Hut also provided two huge stops heading into the break to stop Colgate from adding a last-minute goal in the first half.

Brick wall 🧱#DareToDream pic.twitter.com/1wZiIqWa2j
— Syracuse Men's Soccer (@CuseMSOC) August 22, 2024

Throughout the first 25 minutes of the second half, scoring chances were minimal, but 'Cuse outshot Colgate, 3-1.

As the clock started to wind down, the Orange had their share of chances, including a pair of blocked shots by Michael Acquah and Nathan Scott in the 81^st minute.

However, Omeze finally broke the drought and found the back of the net off a deflection from the Raider's goalkeeper to give 'Cuse it's 1-0 victory.

OF NOTE:

Syracuse is 10-4 all-time in season-opening matches under head coach Ian McIntyre. The Orange have also now won four-consecutive openers.
'Cuse is 4-3 under McIntyre when opening its slate away from home.
Omeze recorded his first collegiate goal in his first collegiate appearance.
In his debut with the Orange, Hut recorded a clean sheet and picked up four saves.
13 players (Hut, Sam Layton, Omeze, Nathan Scott, Kelvin Da Costa, Elton Chifamba, Gabe Threadgold, Sachiel Ming, Michael Acquah, Ernest Bawa, Ben Rosenblatt, Daniel Burko, and Braedon Smith recorded their debuts in a 'Cuse kit in the win against Colgate.
'Cuse outshot the Raiders, 16-4. It also edged its opponent in corner kicks, 6-2.
Eight different players took shots for the Orange, including Acquah, who led the way with four.

UP NEXT:
Syracuse opens its 2024 home slate on Sunday, Aug. 25, when the Orange host Niagara. The match is slated to start at 7 p.m., and parking and admission is free for all in attendance.

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