Vickie Jones scored the first two goals of her Syracuse career, including the go-ahead penalty kick, as the Orange defeated Holy Cross 3-1 on Sunday at SU Soccer Stadium to earn their first victory of the 2026-27 season.
The fifth-year midfielder helped Syracuse overcome a second-half equalizer by the Crusaders, with the Orange scoring twice in less than four minutes to take control of the match.
Syracuse opened the scoring just before halftime. After Kendall Mesh sent a cross into the box, the Holy Cross defense cleared the ball back toward Jones, who fired a left-footed shot over goalkeeper Antriana Mila and into the net in the 43rd minute.
Holy Cross pulled even in the 66th minute when Sam Halligan converted a penalty kick, but the tie lasted barely more than a minute.
Abby Incorvaia delivered a free kick into the area, where Jasmine Nixon redirected the ball past Mila to put Syracuse back in front. Less than three minutes later, the Orange earned a penalty kick of their own after a foul inside the box. Jones stepped up and converted, giving Syracuse a two-goal cushion.
Syracuse received 90-minute performances from Jones, Nixon, Bree Bridges, Chloe Joseph, and goalkeeper Maya Naimoli. Incorvaia made her first collegiate start, while Mesh and freshman Sara Weisberg made their Syracuse debuts. Mesh joined the Orange after transferring from Old Dominion.
Syracuse improved to 1-0-1, while Holy Cross fell to 0-1-1.
The Orange return to action Thursday, August 20, when they visit Northwestern for an 8 p.m. matchup.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.