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After Syracuse’s 5-0 blowout over Mercyhurst Sunday, it improved to a 3-0-1 record in 2024, the team’s best start since 2016. When asked after the dominating performance what has been the key to SU’s point streak, head coach Nicky Thrasher Adams stressed the importance of her team displaying early-game dominance.

“It’s a pattern that I’ve been seeing all season,” Adams said. “Being able to (jump ahead) takes a little bit of pressure off of us and then we can start rotating substitutions.”

That same pattern continued Thursday evening in Syracuse’s (4-0-1, Atlantic Coast Conference) 1-0 victory over Northwestern (3-2-0, Big Ten). The Wildcats controlled possession for most of the first half, but SU’s opening goal in the 17th minute was the difference. Through strong backline defending, key saves from Shea Vanderbosch and timely turnovers, the Orange held on for their first win over a Power Four opponent since Sept. 25, 2022.

In the opening 10 minutes, Northwestern set the pace by establishing possession early in the Orange’s end. Megan Norkett served as a key distributor on multiple chances from the left wing for the Wildcats, carving through SU’s defenders in an attempt to create open space for a pass. But Syracuse’s backline was up to the task, warding off multiple series of quick cross attempts from Norkett by remaining aggressive through blocks and slide tackles that effectively reset the Wildcats’ offense back to midfield.

Syracuse’s chances were few and far between in the opening frame, but on what was ultimately its only shot-on-goal of the evening, SU found the back of the net.

As Josie Aulicino chased down the ball in midfield, she tried to recycle the Wildcats’ attack with a pass back to goalkeeper Reiley Fitzpatrick. But Ava Uribe had already anticipated the play. She streaked directly down the middle of the field toward the goal and picked off the pass before Fitzpatrick could grab it. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, she made no mistake, putting the Orange up 1-0.

“To have an opportunity like that to be able to put it (the goal) away I think is a testament to the ability of the whole team to get up and press,” Uribe said of the finish. “I’m just doing my job.”

While the Orange began to focus more on playing conservatively with the lead, the Wildcats’ offense began to display more aggression playing from behind. But Vanderbosch was up to the task.

In the 39th minute, a free kick was awarded to Northwestern from the far side of midfield. The long-range shot found its way on net through a crowd, but Vanderbosch saw it all the way and leaped to her left to force the ball out of bounds.

The ensuing corner flew over to Nicole Doucette, who went for the header. But the attempt glanced off the right post. Seconds later, Vanderbosch had to remain sharp after a defensive turnover by the Orange. Emma Phillips stole possession right in front of the goal and sent a turnaround shot on target. But again, Vanderbosch dove left to deny the opportunity.

In the opening stages of the second half, Northwestern’s urgency began to boil over. The Wildcats were given three fouls in the first five minutes of play. But despite turning over the ball through fouls, Northwestern continued to find ways to regain possession and continued to press SU’s defense.

In the 65th minute, Tanna Schornstein worked through the SU defense and released a screamer that was destined for the top left corner of the net. But Vanderbosch saw it all the way and reached up to get her hands on the attempt, keeping the Orange in front.

While the first half was controlled by constant Wildcat possession, the second was headlined by countless turnovers that both sides fought to take advantage of. In the 85th minute, Erin Flurey was given a breakaway chance off a through ball down the middle of the field that landed perfectly at her feet as raced toward the goal with Schornstein in pursuit.

As the last one back on the play, Schornstein knocked herself into Flurey from behind before she could get the shot off, sending both players tumbling to the ground. The play was reviewed for a possible red card, but to the frustration of the Orange faithful, Schornstein was only given a yellow. The ensuing free kick was easily turned aside by Fitzpatrick to keep the difference at one.

As the final seconds rolled off the clock, Northwestern tried to set up a desperation attempt from deep in the Syracuse end. But a takeaway and clearance by Maya McDermott iced the match as the Orange improved to 4-0-1 on the season, the program’s best start since 1997.

“We are not looking at the end of the season, we are looking at the day-by-day,” Adams said after the win. “We’re excited to get back out to practice tomorrow and try and fix some things, and then we’ll start focusing on Cornell.”

Published on August 29, 2024 at 9:15 pm

Contact Matthew: mgray06@syr.edu