Last-second goal stuns Syracuse vs. Navy

A Family Affair

It was Syracuse sophomore faceoff specialist Danny Varello against his older brother, Joe,  a senior for the Midshipmen.

Navy, in a game that was must-win for their NCAA Tournament chances, jumped put to an early 6-3 lead. Goals from SU’s Brendan Bomberry, Ryan Simmons, and Nate Solomon tied the game at the end of the 2^nd quarter.

It was then back-and-forth for the entire second half as neither team was able to break away.

With 58 seconds left, freshman Tucker Dordevic put the Orange ahead 12-11.

It was Danny vs Joe at the X, and a big chance situation for the older brother to give Navy possession and a chance to tie.

The younger brother won.

Syracuse was in control, up 12-11 with 40 seconds remaining when a timeout was called. The Orange tried to milk the clock and clinch the win, but a costly turnover gave Navy one more chance. They took advantage of it.

John Salcedo found Jack Ray, who made it a tie game with a bounce shot right through Syracuse goalkeeper Dom Madonna.

9 seconds remained and it was Danny vs. Joe at the X for the 27^th time of the game. The older brother won the most important round.

Joe took it up the field, tried to pass but it was deflected by an Orange defender. Joe then proceeded to scoop up the loose ball and put it in the back of the net.

0.2 seconds remained. Joe kept Navy’s NCAA Tournament at-large hopes alive and won bragging rights on his younger brother in the process.

“He’s going to remember that moment for a long time”, Syracuse head coach John Desko said in the post-game press conference.

I’m sure Joe will make sure Danny will remember it for a long time too.

“It was a crazy feeling”, I can’t really put it into words”, Joe Varello said about facing his younger brother. “After the game, Danny and I hugged each other and said how much we love each other and said how we are going to remember this for the rest of our lives.”

Danny Varello posted on Instagram after the game: “Pretty crazy day going up against my brother. It was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Upcoming Games

Navy improves to 9-4 and will be the #2 seed in next week’s Patriot League tournament.

As for Syracuse (7-5), the Orange are now 1-5 against ranked non-conference opponents. However, their undefeated ACC record gives them the top seed at the ACC Tournament next week in Charlottesville. Danny Varello and company will take on the host team, Virginia, in the first round.