Fifth-ranked Wake Forest (8-2-2, 3-1-1) defeated Syracuse (6-6-1, 0-5-0) with a 3-0 victory at SU Soccer Stadium, thanks to two quick goals in the second half.
This marks Syracuse’s third consecutive loss to a top-eight opponent, following defeats to #2 Florida State and #8 North Carolina.
Emily Murphy and Caiya Hanks were key for Wake Forest, combining for the first two goals. Just over two minutes into the match, Murphy assisted Hanks for her fourth goal of the season. The teams remained evenly matched until the second half when Murphy again set up Hanks, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead at 55:31. Hanks later assisted Emily Colton’s goal at 64:07, sealing the victory.
Syracuse’s best scoring chance came early in the second half when Erin Flurey found Liesel Odden in front of the Wake Forest goal, but Valentina Amaral made the save.
Wake Forest outshot Syracuse 20-9 and had a 3-2 edge in corner kicks. Syracuse goalkeeper Shea Vanderbosch recorded eight saves, while Kylen Grant continued her streak of playing every minute of the season.
Syracuse’s next match is against #13 Notre Dame on October 5.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.