Defensive battle ends in scoreless tie between SU and BC

Despite dominating for most of the first half, Syracuse men’s soccer could not score, and Boston College became more comfortable in the second half and extra time. When all was said and done, SU and BC played to a 0-0 tie at SU Soccer Stadium Friday night.

This was Syracuse’s third game in seven days – all against ACC rivals – including another extra-time match against NC State on the road. However, the Orange were in control for the majority of the contest, outshooting BC 24-9.

Syracuse Head Coach Ian McIntyre said his team was disappointed about not getting the win, but he was happy with the way ‘Cuse played.

“The team effort and commitment were great,” McIntyre said. “I’m very proud of the group. We created some chances, but we lacked a little bit of quality in the attack. We didn’t work the other goalie enough”

From the get-go, Syracuse took command of the game, earning a free kick in the attacking area in the second minute of the game. Senior Hugo Delhommelle’s shot went a tad over goal. Ten minutes after, SU forward Tajon Buchanan sent a shot from outside the box and the goalie saved it at the goal line. The referee even checked the VAR to make sure the ball didn’t cross the line but ultimately declared it as a save.

“I thought he had scored but I had the same view as the fans so I’ll have to check that one out,” Coach McIntyre said.

BC’s goalkeeper Antonio Chavez Borrelli had a really solid first half, saving six different Syracuse shots. Meanwhile Syracuse’s goalie Hendrik Hilpert was tested only once in the first half. Syracuse ended that first half with 13 total shots, while BC only had two.

Although Syracuse continued its attack throughout the second 45 minutes, BC got the hang of the game and prevented Syracuse from generating many clear opportunities. The Eagles defense blocked Orange shots on a couple of different situations, so Syracuse only had one shot on target in this period.

“I think we were the better team in the field,” Delhommelle said after the game.

In the first period of extra time it was BC who took initiative and had a couple of shots, but it was mostly a defensive period with players from both teams tired. Syracuse still tried in the second extra period with a last-minute shot by forward Massimo Ferrin, however SU was unlucky as the ball crashed into the post.

“Guys kept pushing at the end of the game,” McIntyre said. “The difference is that we have to score goals, and we didn’t do that today. We’ll take the positive and take the clean sheet and defending today, if we are able to defend like today we’ll have a good tournament.”

SU’s next game comes in the first round of the ACC Tournament, and the Orange will know their opponent after Saturday’s results.