Syracuse soccer struggles to convert chances in 1-0 loss to Duquesne

The Duquesne Dukes defeated the Syracuse Orange 1-0 on Friday. This loss drops the Orange’s record to 2-2-1 on the year, following last week’s win on the road at Yale.

Syracuse began the game slowly, with Duquesne controlling possession deep in Orange territory. That quickly switched as Syracuse found its footing and kept the ball in the opposition’s final third, with freshman defender Chimere Omeze registering a big chance for the Orange with his header just over the bar 15 minutes in.

Head coach Ian McIntyre’s squad remained in control, with a dangerous chance coming after Duquesne forward Dakota Jonke played Syracuse senior midfielder Carlos Zambrano in on goal.

The Dukes’ defense recovered well, as redshirt senior goalie Diego Chavez made a comfortable save. Another chance came quickly for the Orange when sophomore midfielder Sachiel Ming belted a free kick from the right side just high, and the Orange continued pushing to break the deadlock.

The Dukes responded well with an attacking substitution 28 minutes in, as Ashwin Menon and Jaxon Ervin were replaced by Roni Badler and Ashton Jell.

The change sparked Duquesne’s attack. Duquesne’s captain Grant McIntosh took their first shot of the half, which deflected just wide, as the team began to build momentum on attack. 

Both teams traded chances before halftime. Syracuse outshot Duquesne 10-1 but still struggled to create a clear scoring opportunity. 

The first 15 minutes of the second half mirrored the closing minutes of the first. Ming whipped in a dangerous ball, but no Orange player could connect with it.

In the 67th minute, sophomore defender Garrett Holman’s misplaced pass set up Duquesne’s Hakon Dagur, who slotted it home to give the Dukes a 1-0 lead. 

Photo by Rebecca Beckas

Syracuse’s midfielder and forward Sachiel Ming kicks the ball Friday against Duqesne.

Syracuse desperately tried to claw back into the game and outshot Duquesne 13-4, but the Orange couldn’t convert and fell 1-0.

“We’ve got to take our chances and score goals,” McIntyre said. “I thought we were very good in the first half, but in the second half, we didn’t create as much. We gave them one chance and they took it, so credit to them.”

Despite the loss, the Syracuse defense stood out, limiting Duquesne to four shots on goal. Senior defender Ernest Mensah Jr. acknowledges the strength the Orange have at the back.

“Defensively, we’re really strong,” Mensah Jr. said. “We just need to keep pushing for clean sheets and the goals will come eventually.”

Syracuse remains winless at home this season with two losses and a draw. McIntyre, however, credits Duquesne for its performance and hopes the Orange will remain positive.

“That’s a tough loss for us tonight against another very good team,” McIntyre said. “I expect the guys to be pretty down. But, we’ll get there.”

The Orange will take on New Haven at home Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. A Syracuse victory would be McIntyre’s 142nd, setting a new program record.

“We’ve got to turn around against New Haven, and sometimes a quick turnaround is a good thing,” McIntyre said. “We’re looking forward to showing a response.”