Syracuse men’s lacrosse suffered its first loss of the 2026 season Saturday afternoon, falling 13-12 to No. 13 Harvard at Jordan Field after the Crimson scored the game-winning goal with 50 seconds remaining.
No. 1 Syracuse (3-1) erased a late deficit and tied the game at 12 in the fourth quarter behind goals from Luke Rhoa and Joey Spallina, but Harvard answered in the closing minute to secure its second straight regular-season win over the Orange.
Rhoa led Syracuse with a career-high three goals, while Spallina recorded two goals and one assist. Finn Thomson added two goals and Michael Leo paced the offense with four assists to go along with one goal. Wyatt Hottle, Tyler McCarthy, Matt McIntee and Payton Anderson each scored once.
Syracuse built an early 4-1 lead after the first quarter before Harvard responded with a decisive 5-0 run in the second quarter to take a 6-4 halftime advantage. The Orange opened the second half with three goals in less than two minutes to tie the game, but Harvard answered with four straight scores to regain control.
The Orange rallied again in the fourth quarter, taking a brief 12-10 lead following goals from Rhoa and Spallina. Harvard responded with consecutive goals to even the score before netting the winner in the final minute.
Harvard was led by Nathan Cobery and John Aurandt IV, who each recorded three goals.
Syracuse returns to action Friday, February 27, traveling to Princeton for a 4 p.m. faceoff.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].