No. 13 Army (3-0) at No. 17 Syracuse (1-1), 4 p.m. Sunday (ACC Digital Network)
The Black Knights have started the year perfect despite having only won 27% of their face-offs. This is a testament to one of the best defenses in the country, headlined by Johnny Surdick. The two-time All American has been a force for Army, causing a whopping nine turnovers in the first three contests in 2019. He is a bonafide candidate for first-team All-America honors. Joining him on the backline is Griffin Schultz and goalie AJ Barretto (63%). All three are seniors with poise, experience, and toughness and a big reason Army is only giving up fewer than eight goals a game. On the other end the leaders have been attackman Brendan Nichtern (7,6) and midfielder Matt Manown (4,4). Warning: Army was 3-0 last season before losing a triple-OT thriller in the Dome.
You have to give Syracuse a lot of credit; after its season-opening loss to Colgate many had the Orange written off. The Orange responded in a big way, throttling Albany, 13-5. Syracuse dominated this game from whistle to whistle in all aspects. Can they keep the momentum going against their in-state rival? Midfielder Brendan Curry (5, 4) continues to shine and produce at a high clip. His five-point performance against the Danes was fun to watch. Attackman Bradley Voigt (6, 2) seemingly came out of nowhere with six goals against Albany. And the defense, led by Tyson Bomberry, was mean and physical. For at least one afternoon the swagger was back with this Syracuse team. Can they build on it?
Be sure to give a listen to the interview with Coach Alberici in the D-Fly & Dixie Podcast above. Coach Alberici comes in around the 21:30 mark.
