NCAAM: No. 6 Syracuse edges Loyola Marymount 2-1, wins Central NY Classic
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Via Syracuse University) – Freshman Johannes Pieles scored in the second overtime period to give No. 6 Syracuse a 2-1 win against Loyola Marymount at the SU Soccer Stadium. With the victory, the Orange claim the Central New York Classic title for the third straight season.
The game-winning goal came off a corner kick. Senior Oyvind Alseth served the ball into the box and Pieles headed the ball inside the far post for his second goal of the game in the 102nd minute of play.
“I give a lot of credit to (Oyvind) for serving a perfect ball,” Pieles said through interpreter Hendrik Hilpert after his game-winning goal. “The pass made it easy to score the goal.”
Pieles’ first career goal gave the Orange (2-0) the early lead when he scored in the 22nd minute. Sophomore Jonathan Hagman had the initial shot, which was deflected by a Loyola Marymount defender to Pieles, who put his shot in the back of the net. The Orange were the more dangerous team throughout the first half. Syracuse recorded five shots, while the Lions were not able to get a shot off against the Orange defense.
+Read: No. 22 Rutgers women’s soccer earns 2-0 road win at No. 10 UConn
The Lions (0-2) tied the game up in the 68th minute when Adian Perez scored from 25 feet out for his first goal of the season. The Orange continued to put pressure on Loyola Marymount, but couldn’t take advantage of their opportunities. Syracuse had the final chance in regulation with a corner kicks with 39 seconds remaining, but couldn’t get off a shot.
The Orange dominated the first overtime session as senior Chris Nanco, redshirt junior Kenny Lassiter and Jan Breitenmoser got off shots, but Lions’ goalkeeper Collin Partee was up for the challenge. Syracuse finally broke through in the second extra session on its 12th corner kick of the match.
“Give our guys credit,” said Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre. “They found a way out there to win in overtime tonight. This was a real test for us today and to come out on the other side – we learned about ourselves. Two very different games this weekend, but we’ve shown character to get through them.”
Syracuse recorded 15 shots to five for Loyola Marymount. Hilpert finished with two saves, while Partee had seven.
The Orange’s homestand continues on Thursday, Sept. 1 when they host Colgate at 7 p.m. at the SU Soccer Stadium.
