The No. 2 Syracuse men’s lacrosse team suffered its first loss of the season, falling 11-7 to No. 6 Maryland on Saturday afternoon at SECU Stadium. Despite a strong effort, the Orange (3-1) couldn’t overcome a second-half push by the Terrapins.
Joey Spallina led Syracuse with four points on two goals and two assists, while Owen Hiltz added a pair of goals. Goalkeeper Jimmy McCool made 12 saves in his first road start, keeping the Orange in the game with seven stops in the second half.
The game featured five ties and five lead changes, with both teams nearly even in key statistical categories. Syracuse outshot Maryland 41-32 and held the Terps to double-digit attempts in just one quarter. The Orange also edged Maryland in ground balls, 22-21.
Syracuse took a 5-4 lead into halftime after two late goals from Spallina. However, Maryland responded in the second half, capitalizing on a penalty before rattling off three straight goals to pull ahead. Hiltz’s late goal cut the deficit, but Maryland sealed the win with three of the game’s final four goals.
Syracuse looks to bounce back at home next Saturday when it faces No. 19 Harvard at 1 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
