In our offseason check in series, we’ve looked at Syracuse twice so far. Last week, we told you about Syracuse’s first fall ball test against their Alumni All-stars and then took a broader look at the team. Now it’s time to do a deeper evaluation at what their offense has in store for the 2015 season.
What did they lose?
As a unit, the Orange boasted the third highest points per game average in NCAA D1. The only teams to top their total were the record-destroying Albany Great Danes and NCAA Champion Duke Blue Devils. While Syracuse lost Billy Ward, Derek Maltz and Scott Loy who were 4th, 5th and 6th in team scoring respectively, the team returns an experienced, versatile attack and multiple lines of midfielders eager to add some more points to the scoring column.
Randy Staats
On attack, the 2014 season ended with a starting lineup of Kevin Rice, Dylan Donahue and Randy Staats, and this is likely how 2015 will begin. Staats missed most of the preseason and a few games but still managed to become the third highest scorer on the team. His playmaking ability could not be ignored by the coaching staff as he moved from someone they just wanted on the field as a midfielder to a starting attackman and focal point of opposing defenses. Staats is a wild card to cover as he can score from nearly anywhere on the field and makes passes that few in the country can. Focusing on Staats, however, left two of the most synchronized players in the country without the last name Thompson (Rice and Donahue) open to work their magic.
Rice and Donahue
“Rice to Donahue” became a phrase uttered frequently during Orange games. Rice finished the season 5th in points per game in the country behind Tewaaraton Winners Lyle and Miles Thompson, Finalist Jordan Wolf and MLL Rookie of the Year Kieran McArdle. With his ability to feed cutters in tight spots and score low-angle goals, that pace should be well within his reach again. Donahue was mostly a finisher around the net, benefitting from defenders sliding away and should remain as Syracuse’s top inside threat. Their attack will be solid and an anchor for the rest of the team.
Overcoming Midfield Confusion
Midfield was the position most in flux last season, as Coach John Desko was more apt to go with whoever had the hot hand at the time than having a true first and second line. The “second” line of midfielders was actually comprised entirely of converted attackmen. Ward’s departure should not be underestimated as he went from a rotational attackman to a midfielder who also spent time on defense. As a team captain, Ward was a true leader in that he willingly played whatever role the team needed at the time. Fellow captain Maltz moved from his crease attack spot where he spent his entire career as Staats established himself as a potent threat in that position. Along with Ward and Maltz, Nicky Galasso saw his first full season of action in the midfield after transferring from North Carolina where he was primarily a feeding attackman.
Reload, not Rebuild
With only Scott Loy departing from the other midfield line, Galasso will likely join Hakeem Lecky and Henry Schoonmaker to make up the starting offensive middie line. Lecky and Schoonmaker are both strong and fast outside threats who have some heavy expectations on them to produce in their final year wearing Orange. Galasso, whose scoring output increased in the latter part of the 2014 season, should have a higher level of comfort in the Syracuse offense. The second line is much more interesting as Syracuse experimented with several players during their fall ball games. It likely will contain Jordan Evans, Nick Weston and OCC Transfer Tim Barber based on fall playing time. Both Barber and Evans spent some time at attack during the fall games and might also see time in that rotation come spring. If this happens, other players such as Hayes McGinley, Sergio Salcido, Derek DeJoe or Jeff Desko will see their roles increase. No matter which way the coaching staff goes, they’re in a familiar situation: plenty of talent, few spots.
How to Reach Memorial Day
The Orange will without a doubt be an attack-centric team in 2015. Where they struggled on offense last year was most evident when a top goalie and a top defense were having good days. For example, Bryant defeated Syracuse in a massive NCAA tournament upset thanks to a tight defense and a goalie who stopped nearly every shot from the outside. To take this formula away from other teams, the midfield needs to pressure and create on their own to keep the defense extended. The Syracuse offense works best as defensive slides create space in the middle and Syracuse players undoubtedly find those openings. Without reliable outside threats, this formula to beat them is already known. Knowing is only half the battle though. This is still an extremely talented group who will be making plenty of noise this year.
