In the second of the two Final Four games the #1 seed Syracuse University took on the #4 seed Denver University. Like the game before it, it was a nail biter and filled with amazing play.
The Syracuse Orangemen are one of the most storied programs in the country when it comes to lacrosse. While on the other side of the field, the Denver Pioneers are the new young guns in the lacrosse world and one of the few division 1 teams west of the Mississippi. Both teams are coached by two of the best coaches in the country in John Desko from Syracuse and the living legend Bill Tierney from Denver.
The game in Philly started with Denver getting out to an early lead early of 5-2 and had great play from their defense in the first half. Denver also had stupendous play from Ryan LaPlante who had 17 saves and only allowed 2 goals. Denver saw goals from Adamson, with 2, Carraro, Law, and Flint.
The Orangemen were once again behind in the game and looked to be down and out a third of the way through the third quarter. Syracuse was sparked back into life by great goals by JoJo Marasco and Dylan Donahue, which cut the score to 6-4. Mounting another comeback Syracuse took its first lead in the game with 19.2 seconds left in the game on a rebound goal by Derek Maltz.
With draining time Denver’s Chase Carraro won the final face-off and took the ball down the field towards the Syracuse goal. Denver was not given their final timeout until 7 seconds were left in the game and Bill Tierney was almost to the restraining line. After the timeout Denver took the ball and had a one man effort from Eric Law who drew a Flag but time had run out on the clock before the flag was initially thrown and so had no bearing on the clock.
Syracuse won the game 9-8 and are planted firmly as the comeback kids.
Denver pulled a hot goalie in LaPlante in favor for Jamie Faus. This is something that Denver has done all year long. Faus finished the game with 4 saves and allowed a total of 7 goals in his second half of play.
The Syracuse Orangemen will take on the Duke Blue Devils on Monday for the National Championship in Philadelphia.
