The 12th-seeded Syracuse men’s soccer team (7-7-3, 2-4-2 ACC) suffered a close 2-1 loss to fifth-seeded Wake Forest (9-4-5, 4-2-2 ACC) in the ACC Championship’s first round at Spry Stadium on Wednesday night.
Syracuse scored first in the 16th minute, with Gabe Threadgold netting a goal off an assist from Michael Acquah, marking Acquah’s team-leading sixth assist and Threadgold’s fourth goal of the season.
The first half saw both teams creating chances, with Wake Forest outshooting Syracuse 9-4. Orange goalkeeper Tomas Hut made two critical saves, helping his team maintain a 1-0 lead at halftime. However, Wake Forest equalized in the 73rd minute on a penalty kick by Cooper Flax. Despite Syracuse’s efforts to hold off multiple scoring attempts, the Demon Deacons broke through with a decisive header by Travis Smith Jr. in the 83rd minute, securing the 2-1 win.
With a .500 record, Syracuse remains eligible for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The tournament field, consisting of 23 automatic bids and 25 at-large selections, will be announced on Monday, November 18.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.