Curry scores OT goal to pull off men’s LAX upset over No. 2 Duke

Despite being down four goals at the half, Syracuse came back late in the game to score five straight goals, including one in overtime by Brendan Curry, to complete a comeback against Duke, 9-8.

The Syracuse Orange concluded its 7-game homestand Sunday afternoon and for the first time in 30 years, it wasn’t played in the Carrier Dome. Because the women’s basketball team is hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament, the game was moved to Bragman Stadium at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. The Orange faithful packed the stands for this rivalry matchup, and it did not take long before the signs read “Standing-Room Only!”

The Blue Devils jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, and Syracuse struggled to find consistency in its attack.

As Syracuse scrambled to push forward, Duke stayed patient and controlled the pace. The defensive front for the Blue Devils, anchored by Cade Van Raaphorst and JT Giles-Harris, was extremely disruptive. Syracuse trailed 6-2 at halftime and despite shutting out Duke in the third quarter, the Orange only scored 3 goals on 28 shot attempts in the first 45 minutes of play.

With 6:28 remaining in the final quarter, Duke midfielder Brad Smith scored to put Duke ahead 8-4 and things looked to be slipping away. Some fans began heading for the exits. Those who stayed witnessed a special finish they will never forget.

Four goals down, Syracuse grinded away in the final 5:46. Nate Solomon, Bradley Voigt, David Lipka and Stephen Rehfuss each scored a goal to tie the game 8-8. Orange midfielder Curry fired a shot on goal with 14 seconds left, but it hit the crossbar. In overtime, Curry got his vengeance and netted the game winner to give Syracuse a crucial 9-8 victory over No. 2 ranked Duke.

“I’m proud of the team for fighting back,” said Syracuse head coach John Desko. “I saw people leaving the stands thinking the game was over, and fortunately our bench didn’t think that way. Obviously, we played well down the stretch. I wish we played like that earlier in the game, but it was a big win.”

The win marks Desko’s fourth straight against the Blue Devils. More importantly, the Orange are in great position entering the road-heavy portion of their schedule.

Syracuse hits the road to take on No. 11 Notre Dame Saturday, March 30 at noon.