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Virginia Tech overpowers Syracuse with two second half goals

Virginia Tech overpowers SU men’s soccer

In what could’ve been a bounce back performance, Syracuse men’s soccer remains winless for the fourth consecutive game.

Story by Kendyl Lauher / Photos by Maria Kaffes
Published: September 14, 2024
Defenseman Chimere Omeze holds a soccer ball
Photo by Maria Kaffes
Defenseman Chimere Omeze tosses the ball back into play during a game against Le Moyne College. Syracuse is 0-2-2 in its last four games.

What initially looked like a promising attempt to get back in the win column, Syracuse men’s soccer lost another three points in their ACC home opener. A pair of second half goals from No. 17 Virginia Tech sealed the 2-0 win for the Hokies – their first over Syracuse since 2018.

A foul committed just outside the box resulting in a Chimere Omeze yellow card in the 60th minute set Alex Perez up for a well placed left-footed strike, bending around the Syracuse wall and just inside the far post. Shortly after, in the 62nd minute, an individual offensive effort from Marcos Escoe ends with a cross to Malick Thiaw making an uncontested near post run for a quick finish. 

Following the VT goals, Syracuse tried to surmount the deficit with a few excellent opportunities on goal. However, none caused a crowd eruption more than a lofted cross played by Gabe Threadgold  finding the head of VT’s Yonis Kireh stellar attempt off the goal line. 

This loss comes in the same week that Syracuse exited the United Soccer Coaches national rankings, a list they’ve been on since August 30, 2022. After an eight place ranking in 2022 and a 12th place ranking in 2023, being unranked is unfamiliar territory for the Orange. 

Senior captain, Giona Leibold, who made his first start Friday night after returning from injury is one of four remaining members of the 2022 national championship squad. He wants his team to understand that the rankings aren’t everything. 

“We don’t really care if we’re ranked in the Top 25 or not,” Leibold said. “In the end, it’s about getting the work done and hopefully competing for a title at the end of the season.” 

Leibold and SU men’s soccer aren’t ready to count themselves out yet and plan to remain in contention for a national championship.

“This was a tough test for us and obviously a frustrating loss,” Leibold said. “Now it’s about getting these midweek games done. That’s pretty much our season on Tuesday, so win that game and we’ll start to feel back.”

The Orange will have their next opportunity to rebound on Tuesday night against Canisius at the SU Soccer Stadium.