During the week the Colgate men’s soccer team played two intense matches against Loyola (Maryland) on Friday September 20 and Syracuse on Monday September 23. Beyond preparation for the Patriot League gauntlet ahead, the team has been looking to demonstrate to the rest of the United States why they are deserving of their #13 NCAA D1 position, which they earned earlier this month.

On Friday, the Colgate Raiders and Loyola Ramblers drew 0-0 after double overtime. This particular match was a testament to the integrity of Colgate’s defensive back line. The Raiders gave up 15 corner kicks and seven shots on goal throughout the match, but junior goalkeeper Jacob Harris heroically got balls cleared out and stopped every shot in his way.

The Monday night match against the Syracuse Orange, ranked #12 nationally in the NCAA D1 RPI rankings, had significantly more action to recap.

The match yet again went to double overtime, ending with a score of 1-1. Freshman midfielder Ryan Krueger made an outstanding goal off the crossbar to get Colgate on the board in the 68th minute, giving the Raiders a valuable second-half lead. However, Syracuse ended up coming back towards the end of regulation play to tie up the match at one goal apiece.

Colgate dominated most of the game in the early part of the first half, which allowed them to have multiple scoring opportunities. The Raiders took their first shot off of a foul right outside the box in the 13th minute of the game. Then, just five minutes later, senior Oliver Harris took another shot, set up by junior Kentaro Morrison, that was just short of putting Colgate up 1-0.

Syracuse kept up with Colgate’s strong offensive force toward the end of the first half. Orange freshman Ryan Raposo had a cross sent to him in the 22nd minute, but his shot went just over the goal. Next, in the 28th minute, Syracuse had an opportunity right inside the box, but Colgate’s goalkeeper, Harris, was able to shut down the opportunity. Harris continued with this stellar play and continued to block shots, notably a header sent in from sophomore Tajon Buchanan. Harris commented on the team’s performance.

“It was a strong team effort. We have been working really hard this week in practice and it showed when we stepped onto the field. Ending in a tie was heartbreaking, but we are excited to take the field Saturday [September 29] against Army full force,” said Harris

As play went back and forth throughout, Colgate was able to pull through with a goal in the 69th minute. Freshman Will Stroud was able to cross a perfect ball over towards the left wing of the field and junior Lucas Lezcano was ready, sending a dangerous header into the box. Krueger hit a header that bounced off the crossbar, and fired it into the back of the net to put Colgate up 1-0.

Unfortunately, Syracuse answered back just eight minutes later after Colgate was called for a foul, which allowed a great opportunity for Syracuse. Orange junior Hugo Delhomelle sent a great cross to the feet of Sondre Norheim who put the ball past Harris to tie up the game 1-1. Colgate responded to this goal by putting extreme pressure on Syracuse’s defense. Clarke was almost able to put Colgate ahead, but missed the goal off the pipe.

Colgate’s head men’s soccer coach, Erik Ronning commented on the game.

“I feel very good about our effort and quality tonight. We are sacrificing and giving everything for each other out there. I see us improving out there every game,” he said. “Syracuse is a very good team. I am proud of how our midfield and back line dealt with their special players while controlling the tempo for large parts of the game.”

Be sure to tune into their next home game, Saturday against Army. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. on Beyer- Small. Go cheer on your Raiders as they begin their quest for a third straight Patriot League title!

Contact Kate Kelly at [email protected].