Syracuse Faces Tough Challenge Against Maryland Lacrosse

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The No. 2 Syracuse men’s lacrosse team faces a significant challenge this Saturday as they travel to College Park to take on the No. 6 Maryland Terrapins. The game is slated for a 2 p.m. start at SECU Stadium and will stream on BTN+.

Syracuse enters the matchup with a perfect 3-0 record, coming off an impressive 18-7 victory over No. 17 Towson earlier in the week. This game marks Syracuse’s first road contest of the season and their first against a top-10 opponent.

Despite a promising start, Syracuse will need to overcome their recent struggles against Maryland. The last Orange victory against the Terps was in the 2009 NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals, and they have dropped their last six encounters with the historic program.

Maryland comes into the game with a 2-0 record, having secured an overtime win against Loyola Maryland (8-7) and a decisive 12-7 victory over No. 18 Richmond. The Terrapins will seek to extend their dominance over Syracuse.

The conditions for the game are expected to be challenging, with a wintry mix of snow and rain forecasted and temperatures around 40 degrees. This could impact both teams’ performances, particularly Syracuse’s high-octane offense which has averaged 18.5 goals per game.

In their last outing, Syracuse was led by Luke Rhoa, who scored four goals against Towson. This well-rounded offense features seven players with at least five points this season, including standout junior attacker Joey Spallina, who has 21 points through three games.

Syracuse’s matchup against Maryland is part of a daunting stretch that includes several ranked opponents, as they look to establish themselves in the early portion of the season. Head coach Gary Gait has emphasized the importance of controlling the clock and maintaining possession to limit turnovers.

Statistics certainly favor the Orange in certain areas; Syracuse has enjoyed a +25 advantage in possession time, averaging 31:28 per game. However, their propensity to commit penalties — 17 through three games — remains a concern, especially against Maryland’s efficient man-up offense.

Maryland’s goalkeeper Logan McNaney is also a formidable challenge, ranked seventh in the nation with a save percentage of .649 and boasting 609 career saves, which will test Syracuse’s ability to finish scoring opportunities.

As the two teams meet for the 21st time since 1927, the stakes remain high not only for pride but also for establishing themselves within the national rankings. A win for Syracuse would not only improve their record to 4-0 but also snap their six-game losing streak against the Terps.

With the rivalry renewed, both teams will aim to assert their dominance in what promises to be an exciting and competitive atmosphere in College Park.