Déjà vu: Cornell continues to be SU’s achilles heel

The weather wasn’t the only thing pouring on SU Soccer Stadium Tuesday night as Cornell men’s soccer came, once again, raining on Syracuse’s parade. The 1-0 defeat marked the third year in a row Syracuse fell to the Big Red in the regular season, falling 2-1 between 2022 and 2023. 

The slippery field conditions certainly became a factor in the match’s technicality and physicality, resulting in some sloppy play and 13 total fouls in the first half alone. 

Both teams looked to create chances in the first 45 minutes of play, but nothing came to fruition. Substantial possession was tough to come by as neither offense couldn’t find their footing. 

There was obvious frustration heading into the locker room as the rivalry sat at a scoreless standstill, both sides eager to break through. 

The chippy back-and-forth continued after the halftime break. Syracuse goalkeeper Tomas Hut seemed up to the task, making several terrific saves to keep the game level. On the Cornell side, their backline fulfilled their mission to make SU’s offensive penetration into the box unsuccessful. 

As the minutes crept down, a goal seemed inevitable – both teams knocking on the door. 

It was in the 85th minute when Cornell’s Danny Lokko received the ball amid a promising counterattack. Lokko used his speed and 6’1 frame to muscle his way down the right flank before slipping in a cross at the PK spot, finding the foot of Connor Miller. 

Photo by Laura Lemgruber

Syracuse attempts to gain control of the ball, but struggles against Cornell’s offense.

Syracuse had 4 minutes and 42 seconds to try and mount a comeback, and while there were some decent looks on the net, time was not in their favor. The Big Red were able to pack the space and waste enough time to secure victory in the heated rivalry. 

For SU fans, it was déjà vu as they know all too well the feeling of watching Cornell celebrate that regular season win. 

Nonetheless, a bounce-back opportunity awaits. The Orange hosts the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons on Friday at 7 p.m.