The Friars didn’t put up much of a fight as the Orange flew to a 10-6 victory.
WHAT HAPPENED: Providence and Syracuse traded goals to start the game but then the Orange went on a 5-0 run that lasted until the third quarter. In the second quarter, the Friars accumulated a few penalties after a hit to Tim Desko’s head that may have warranted an ejection. Instead, Providence midfielder Pete Wujciak was given a 2:00 non releasable penalty. Providence came out strong in the second half and hung with Syracuse in a 2-2 third quarter. In the fourth, the Orange just looked sloppy. They gave up a few goals but established such a large enough lead in the first half that Providence was unable to come back.
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WHAT IT MEANS: This was exactly the game the Orange needed after a loss to Johns Hopkins. No one expected much of a challenge from a 1-3 Providence team. It was a chance to regroup, build a little confidence and figure a few things out. One of those things that needed figuring out was the face off situation. The Orange were sub .500 again tonight against a Providence team that shouldn’t have given them much of a problem at the X. Coach Desko tried a few different guys, including Drew Jenkins, but no one really stood out. Matt Harris got some time at the wing and Desko said in the post-game press conference that he was happy with his performance.
A positive for the Orange tonight was offensive production. Syracuse outshot Providence 40 to 16 and especially in the first half, put constant pressure on the goalie. Coach Desko was able to put in some of the back up players by the third quarter, which resulted in Pat Powderly getting his first goal of the year.
STAR GAZING: Tommy Palasek scored 2 goals and also registered an assist tonight. He was the leading scorer for the Orange. Credit also goes to Dominic Lamolinara for his performance in net tonight. He got his first start of the year and played the entire 60:00. He gave up 6 goals, a few of which he said regrets, but he was confident in net and stood out as a leader on the field tonight.
WHAT’S NEXT: Syracuse’s next game is home against Villanova on March 25 at 2 p.m. TV: TWCS/SNY.