WHO: Syracuse @ Virginia
WHERE: Charlottesville, VA
WHEN: TODAY! Noon
SYRACUSE
The Orange are coming off one of their most brutal losses in recent memory. I could not begin to describe my disappointment last week as a ‘Cuse fan.
However, many games come down to referees and in-game moments. Maryland deserved the win as they have become one of the greatest lacrosse programs in the modern lax world.
All that isn’t to say Syracuse is a lost cause. On the contrary, every team usually has that one memorable loss to motivate them further and build upon. Coupled with the Orange’s impressive 2014 season stats thus far, I’d optimistically say they have good chances of snagging a road victory today against Virginia.
Despite being outperformed by the Terps, ‘Cuse has 44 goals on the season out of 114 shots. That demonstrates how effective the offense is at creating opportunities. This is a good place to mention the Orange defense.
They have had 135 shots against their goal, but only allowed 39 in. It seems that they’ll need to prevent opportunities for the opponent much better than they have been, but defense is also solid in clutch situations.
Though the Orange boast a .658 SOG percentage in the beginning of this season, they only have a shot percentage of .386. This means they’ll need to increase that percentage with more goals.
At the midfield, face offs are in Syracuse’s favor. They’ve won the majority of 91 faces with 47, creating a F/O percentage of .516. That is a fair performance and can always be built upon.
Defensively, Syracuse needs to improve. They’ve only recovered 88 ground balls compared to opponents scooping 104. Most lacrosse games are won with ground ball recoveries. The defense has only caused 20 turnovers so far this season, so that needs to be improved.
VIRGINIA
Of everything I just mentioned about Syracuse, Virginia seems to be the ultimate challenge for Orange improvement.
The Cavaliers are riding a SOG percentage of .640 with 71 goals out of 211 shots. This early into the season, the statistic is baffling. They’ve also created 135 shot on goal attempts.
Virginia has caused 57 turnovers, had 66 of their own, and won 199 ground balls.
Their face offs are the weak point of their performance, if you can even say they have one. Out of 137 face offs, they’ve only won 63, giving them a percentage of .460.
Defensively, Virginia is a powerhouse. They have only allowed 161 shots against them, and a mere 53 got through them. They hold opponents to a .329 shot percentage.
PREDICTION
Syracuse has a huge obstacle ahead of them. Virginia remains undefeated while ‘Cuse has one loss. It seems as though the Baltimore area (Virginia, Maryland, Loyola) is the lacrosse epicenter of the 2014 season. Though I don’t like to admit it, I do predict Virginia coming out on top.
Virginia 19 Syracuse 14
