Harvard Gameday...

[Powellfan]

Disappointing result, especially considering they had a two goal lead late in the game. The team was just way too inconsistent all over the field today to say they "deserved" a win, but at the same there were positives to draw at the same time. All in all, this team was 3-2 last season, so a 3-1 record to start isn't a sign of disaster. I would have assumed they'd be 3-1 with a win over Harvard and a loss to Maryland at this point, so switching those results isn't that big of a deal, to me at least.

Outside of Ochoa's performance, I thought the defense did pretty well. I was at at the game, watching on top a snow bank so I didn't have the best view of things. They held Malone and Spidell to three combined points, which to me should have been good enough to win. But Harvard just seemed to score on the unlucky plays. Rebounds really seemed to burn the Orange in this game. And of course bad SSDM play led to at least four goals (counting Kittleberger's late game error, but who I thought was good overall).

I don't mean to pick on any one player, I don't think that's incredibly helpful to the team, but #50 was just really bad on Saturday, there is no way to sugar coat it. I've honestly never seen anything quite like it, getting beat clean about 20 yards from goal multiple times. Syracuse needs to do something different in that position. Will they? They shuffled McCarthy down there a few shifts late in the game, but once Ochoa got put back in he gave up a goal almost immediately.

Also was let down by Joe Filardi - didn't seem like he made any contact whatsoever against the Crimson. And the play where he let the Harvard LSM waltz down the center of the field while simply whacking on his bottom hand was extremely frustrating. I know he's had a lot of time off, but we need better from the rope unit as this season progresses.

Syracuse won pretty much every statistical category, but they absolutely need to shoot the ball better. They outshot Harvard by nine, but had the same amount of shots on goal (26). That's not a winning formula. I love Joey Spallina, but there is no need for him to lead the team in shooting by seven in a single game. He now has 19 more shots than his closest competitor on the team. That's just not sustainable, especially on a team with such good players.

I don't want to say it, but I might as well, I hope his quest for the top scoring mark doesn't overwhelm him this year. In all the interviews I've read it's clear there is a lot of pressure on him, not in terms of the scoring mark, but this teams performance. I hope that doesn't get too big for him. That shot at the end of the game made me worry it might be.

Last player to pick on, but Finn Thomson has more turnovers this year than points (9 vs 8). I am not sure how that is possible at this stage in the season. He's got to play better. He scored two goals after being moved to midfield in the second half. Perhaps the full time attack unit is Bear, Spallina and Leo.

I think there are remedies to the issues above, and some hope. I think McCarthy needs to be moved to SSDM - it just makes too much sense when you have an in form midfielder like Wyatt Hottle who probably should play with the ones. Can Ted Rawson play on the second line? The defense should be encouraged by holding down Harvard's top two, but obviously need to improve other places. Overall it's still really early - its not the best team in February that wins the title, but the team that improves the most by the time that May rolls around. Better to know now what the issues are now than later.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Disappointing result, especially considering they had a two goal lead late in the game. The team was just way too inconsistent all over the field today to say they "deserved" a win, but at the same there were positives to draw at the same time. All in all, this team was 3-2 last season, so a 3-1 record to start isn't a sign of disaster. I would have assumed they'd be 3-1 with a win over Harvard and a loss to Maryland at this point, so switching those results isn't that big of a deal, to me at least.

Outside of Ochoa's performance, I thought the defense did pretty well. I was at at the game, watching on top a snow bank so I didn't have the best view of things. They held Malone and Spidell to three combined points, which to me should have been good enough to win. But Harvard just seemed to score on the unlucky plays. Rebounds really seemed to burn the Orange in this game. And of course bad SSDM play led to at least four goals (counting Kittleberger's late game error, but who I thought was good overall).

I don't mean to pick on any one player, I don't think that's incredibly helpful to the team, but #50 was just really bad on Saturday, there is no way to sugar coat it. I've honestly never seen anything quite like it, getting beat clean about 20 yards from goal multiple times. Syracuse needs to do something different in that position. Will they? They shuffled McCarthy down there a few shifts late in the game, but once Ochoa got put back in he gave up a goal almost immediately.

Also was let down by Joe Filardi - didn't seem like he made any contact whatsoever against the Crimson. And the play where he let the Harvard LSM waltz down the center of the field while simply whacking on his bottom hand was extremely frustrating. I know he's had a lot of time off, but we need better from the rope unit as this season progresses.

Syracuse won pretty much every statistical category, but they absolutely need to shoot the ball better. They outshot Harvard by nine, but had the same amount of shots on goal (26). That's not a winning formula. I love Joey Spallina, but there is no need for him to lead the team in shooting by seven in a single game. He now has 19 more shots than his closest competitor on the team. That's just not sustainable, especially on a team with such good players.

I don't want to say it, but I might as well, I hope his quest for the top scoring mark doesn't overwhelm him this year. In all the interviews I've read it's clear there is a lot of pressure on him, not in terms of the scoring mark, but this teams performance. I hope that doesn't get too big for him. That shot at the end of the game made me worry it might be.

Last player to pick on, but Finn Thomson has more turnovers this year than points (9 vs 8). I am not sure how that is possible at this stage in the season. He's got to play better. He scored two goals after being moved to midfield in the second half. Perhaps the full time attack unit is Bear, Spallina and Leo.

I think there are remedies to the issues above, and some hope. I think McCarthy needs to be moved to SSDM - it just makes too much sense when you have an in form midfielder like Wyatt Hottle who probably should play with the ones. Can Ted Rawson play on the second line? The defense should be encouraged by holding down Harvard's top two, but obviously need to improve other places. Overall it's still really early - its not the best team in February that wins the title, but the team that improves the most by the time that May rolls around. Better to know now what the issues are now than later.

Good stuff, gonna post something separate later today or tomorrow but I think you hit on the big points.

As I noted in a few posts Sat and in discussion with some fellow fans regarding of Jake Spallinas status for this week Ochoa has to sit. I know it sounds harsh but when you get beat like that at this level in your Jr year it's just not sustainable.

McCarthy needs to be moved to SSDM full time. I was encouraged that he again had a goal on Sat but his shooting is never gonna be good enough to justify not playing him at SSDM where he can absolutely excel. If the staff wants to give him a few O runs to by all means but he can star at Mid and we have done this before with outstanding results (Dearth amongst other). Going to give Filardi a pass here, Freshmen in only his 2nd game seeing extended minutes I think you gotta give him some slack. Still I agree, gotta be way better there.

Team misses Hiltz and having that other veteran presence on the attack line. Bear is still growing into the position and he's gonna get there but he's deferring a lot. I agree on Thomson, he has not looked great. He was better in the 2nd half but he's struggling to finish on the crease (Defenses are making it hard obviously) but he has to be better. I think moving him to mid full time makes the most sense because Leo moves all over and will even play up top when he's playing attack. I also think we need to encourage Leo to dodge from X or GLE and get the ball spinning. Let Joey play of the crease or opposite GLE, take some of the pressure off of him.

I think you also hit on a concerning point and that's shooting. I liked what I have seen from McIntee and even McCarthy in getting open but both have struggled to put shots on Cage. Assuming the staff actually moves McCarthy I'd like to see Kraftson get some run on the 2nd midline with McIntee and Hahn.

Gonna hit on the turnovers and clearing issues (fn offsides) in another post but I also think SU needs to make some changes on that man up unit. I think they were what 1 for 4 or 5 or something like that. Has to be better, as someone noted Defenses are really packing it in and giving SU deep looks. I'd really like to see Tucker Kellogg out there with Rhoa to have two deep shooters on each side. Also feels like GEB is struggling a bit out there, I wonder if this would help open things up more.

 

[outoftownie]

Dumb question from a fan who never played - does Gait fund the program via Gait Lax or does the program have some donors? Lax is not getting any of the 20 plus million correct?

Lacrosse has donors, a handful of serious donors and they also get help from Gait Lacrosse with NIL for players and equiptment/stick deal. Even thought ADJW mentioned lacrosse getting some of the $20M that isnt reality, barely any of that money made its way to either lacrosse team. Lacrosse (mens and womens) is in a very precarious position right now. Some BigTen and ACC (and ACC/Big12 womens) teams are putting serious money into their programs and SU is falling behind in funding. So much money is being dedicated to Football that there isnt enough for the other programs at SU. Best case scenario for Lacrosse is a collapse of the current college athletic system and a return to more regional college schedules for non football and basketball sports.

 

[Bayside44]

Lacrosse has donors, a handful of serious donors and they also get help from Gait Lacrosse with NIL for players and equiptment/stick deal. Even thought ADJW mentioned lacrosse getting some of the $20M that isnt reality, barely any of that money made its way to either lacrosse team. Lacrosse (mens and womens) is in a very precarious position right now. Some BigTen and ACC (and ACC/Big12 womens) teams are putting serious money into their programs and SU is falling behind in funding. So much money is being dedicated to Football that there isnt enough for the other programs at SU. Best case scenario for Lacrosse is a collapse of the current college athletic system and a return to more regional college schedules for non football and basketball sports.

Lax is going to see some more $$$. The AD sees what some other schools are doing and we won't get left back.

 

[outoftownie]

Lax is going to see some more $$$. The AD sees what some other schools are doing and we won't get left back.

From your keyboard to gods ears. Let hope that is accurate with the new administration because right now SU is getting left back for sure. A lot of it is accounting (ie cost of scholarships) but some of it is plain pull back on funding.

 

[Bayside44]

From your keyboard to gods ears. Let hope that is accurate with the new administration because right now SU is getting left back for sure. A lot of it is accounting (ie cost of scholarships) but some of it is plain pull back on funding.

I just hope the next AD loves the sport and understands what it means for SU as the current one does.

Fun fact - Mark Coyle was googling "lacrosse" five minutes before his intro press conference.

 

[JeremyCuse]

From your keyboard to gods ears. Let hope that is accurate with the new administration because right now SU is getting left back for sure. A lot of it is accounting (ie cost of scholarships) but some of it is plain pull back on funding.

Lax is getting some of the 20.5 million but as you noted its not nearly what they figured they might get. I am constantly encouraging people to donate because the program definitely does need the $$. Schools like UNC are able to offer instate tuition to recruits and as such can offer more full scholarships and NIL money to players. Without additional $$ gonna be tough to keep up moving forward and were already seeing some of the issues play out in recruiting.

 

[lincolncuse]

Lax is getting some of the 20.5 million but as you noted it’s not nearly what they figured they might get. I am constantly encouraging people to donate because the program definitely does need the $$. Schools like UNC are able to offer instate tuition to recruits and as such can offer more full scholarships and NIL money to players. Without additional $$ gonna be tough to keep up moving forward and we’re already seeing some of the issues play out in recruiting.

This was last year but an SU rep said lacrosse had received a large donation maybe $10 million spread over a few years. This was not for NIL but to help fund day to day activities. I would assume travel, meals etc. Need more of this for sure.

 

[JeremyCuse]

This was last year but an SU rep said lacrosse had received a large donation maybe $10 million spread over a few years. This was not for NIL but to help fund day to day activities. I would assume travel, meals etc. Need more of this for sure.

I believe your 100% right, I believe outoftownie is talking more about yearly funding from SU directly and NIL availability as far as funds be it from SU or alumni or general donors. Certainly that 10 mill is a huge help and as you noted can likely cover a number of years, I'd have to think at least 5+.

 

[outoftownie]

This was last year but an SU rep said lacrosse had received a large donation maybe $10 million spread over a few years. This was not for NIL but to help fund day to day activities. I would assume travel, meals etc. Need more of this for sure.

I've never heard of a $10M donation to lacrosse, kind of shocked by that number but that would be significantly helpful if true. The largest donor that Im aware of is Brett Jefferson and his $2.5M donation a couple years ago. Most donations are used for charters for away games, daily meals (right now they just get breakfast on game/practice days) and events for the players.

 

[FloridaCuse]

I just hope the next AD loves the sport and understands what it means for SU as the current one does.

Fun fact - Mark Coyle was googling "lacrosse" five minutes before his intro press conference.

OMG! How was he even interviewed?

 

[CusefanATL]

I was at the bball game (and airballing the halfcourt shot, yes that was me who embarrassed my family) so barely paying attention to livestream on phone... but can someone explain what happened on our clear attempt tied 12-12. dwan was getting to midfield and just slowed down all the way to a stop and then after what seemed like forever just dropped the ball at midfield. he wasnt really covered, he could have walked over midfield and also seemed like we had a guy open on other side of line?

 

[Bill Orange]

I've never heard of a $10M donation to lacrosse, kind of shocked by that number but that would be significantly helpful if true. The largest donor that Im aware of is Brett Jefferson and his $2.5M donation a couple years ago. Most donations are used for charters for away games, daily meals (right now they just get breakfast on game/practice days) and events for the players.

Wasn’t Brett’s donation to endow the men’s lacrosse head coach position in Slugger’s name?

 

[OrangeXtreme]

I was at the bball game (and airballing the halfcourt shot, yes that was me who embarrassed my family) so barely paying attention to livestream on phone... but can someone explain what happened on our clear attempt tied 12-12. dwan was getting to midfield and just slowed down all the way to a stop and then after what seemed like forever just dropped the ball at midfield. he wasnt really covered, he could have walked over midfield and also seemed like we had a guy open on other side of line?

We were ruled offsides. Probably had 7 on offense already.

 

[PhatOrange]

Lacrosse has donors, a handful of serious donors and they also get help from Gait Lacrosse with NIL for players and equiptment/stick deal. Even thought ADJW mentioned lacrosse getting some of the $20M that isnt reality, barely any of that money made its way to either lacrosse team. Lacrosse (mens and womens) is in a very precarious position right now. Some BigTen and ACC (and ACC/Big12 womens) teams are putting serious money into their programs and SU is falling behind in funding. So much money is being dedicated to Football that there isnt enough for the other programs at SU. Best case scenario for Lacrosse is a collapse of the current college athletic system and a return to more regional college schedules for non football and basketball sports.

Are those Gait pads I see them wearing, that I don't believe are sold in stores? Noticeable G on the elbow pads and I believe the gloves to.

 

[PhatOrange]

I really hope (pipe dream I know), but geez it would be so nice to push the season start back into March and have two games a week. It's such a travesty to see games played in frigid windy snow and cold conditions, games being cancelled and moved to IPFs. It detracts from what the sport was meant to be. sure we all remember practicing in parking lots with snow banks (we grew up in Syracuse) but can probably count on one hand the number of games we played in brutal conditions.

 

[Cuse4455]

We were ruled offsides. Probably had 7 on offense already.

Yep both our D middies crossed. Usually only one crosses at a time..

 

[Bill Orange]

I really hope (pipe dream I know), but geez it would be so nice to push the season start back into March and have two games a week. It's such a travesty to see games played in frigid windy snow and cold conditions, games being cancelled and moved to IPFs. It detracts from what the sport was meant to be. sure we all remember practicing in parking lots with snow banks (we grew up in Syracuse) but can probably count on one hand the number of games we played in brutal conditions.

I'm going to the Princeton game Friday. Hopefully they have shovels.

 

[wgdsr]

I was at the bball game (and airballing the halfcourt shot, yes that was me who embarrassed my family) so barely paying attention to livestream on phone... but can someone explain what happened on our clear attempt tied 12-12. dwan was getting to midfield and just slowed down all the way to a stop and then after what seemed like forever just dropped the ball at midfield. he wasnt really covered, he could have walked over midfield and also seemed like we had a guy open on other side of line?

kuczynski (sp?) had subbed off for a clearing mid, he was in the box. so they had 4 shorties out. the ref was blowing his whistle before the camera panned over to the midfield line. dwan heard that, slowed, stopped. and by the time the camera showed midfield line, 2 of the shorties were "onside".

if you assume the ref got it right (he was right @ the line), @ one point in time both shorties were on the offensive end, and coming back.

 

[outoftownie]

Wasn’t Brett’s donation to endow the men’s lacrosse head coach position in Slugger’s name?

Correct, HC endowment fund and “athletics framework”

 

[JeremyCuse]

kuczynski (sp?) had subbed off for a clearing mid, he was in the box. so they had 4 shorties out. the ref was blowing his whistle before the camera panned over to the midfield line. dwan heard that, slowed, stopped. and by the time the camera showed midfield line, 2 of the shorties were "onside".

if you assume the ref got it right (he was right @ the line), @ one point in time both shorties were on the offensive end, and coming back.

Thanks, I am sure it's correct because SU has been offsides late in games a # of times under Gait including the Maryland game though that was on a switch back to defense vs a clear. Amazing how often this happens to this team.

 

[lincolncuse]

I've never heard of a $10M donation to lacrosse, kind of shocked by that number but that would be significantly helpful if true. The largest donor that Im aware of is Brett Jefferson and his $2.5M donation a couple years ago. Most donations are used for charters for away games, daily meals (right now they just get breakfast on game/practice days) and events for the players.

I met with Eric Culver last year. He was very nice and told me about it. Sounded like it was over a time frame like spread out over 5 years and was not for NIL.

 

[wgdsr]

Thanks, I am sure it's correct because SU has been offsides late in games a # of times under Gait including the Maryland game though that was on a switch back to defense vs a clear. Amazing how often this happens to this team.

fwiw, it was likely a result of 1 or 2 things or both.. far side ssdm has some sort of instructions about going over while ball is still deep with D-G-D low (don't know what those instructions are)
and
kuczynski @ close. if subbing a close d man has been the plan/m.o... shorties subbing on have been seeing #26 come off since the fall as an lsm... with no instructions about staying onside, and likely even to go deep and clear out. and the close d's sub is to stay onside initially. all so 1 of D-G-D can go over if need be, or create a 2 on 1 on one of the corners with a shorty (basically a 5v4 in back end vs say a 7v6 with people everywhere. more space, simpler). in just CK's 2nd game there, my guess is the mid didn't make the connection in the moment that he was close d. and not subbing off as the lsm he was used to.

have run a similar clear for years.

 

[JeremyCuse]

fwiw, it was likely a result of 1 or 2 things or both.. far side ssdm has some sort of instructions about going over while ball is still deep with D-G-D low (don't know what those instructions are)
and
kuczynski @ close. if subbing a close d man has been the plan/m.o... shorties subbing on have been seeing #26 come off since the fall as an lsm... with no instructions about staying onside, and likely even to go deep and clear out. and the close d's sub is to stay onside initially. all so 1 of D-G-D can go over if need be, or create a 2 on 1 on one of the corners with a shorty (basically a 5v4 in back end vs say a 7v6 with people everywhere. more space, simpler). in just CK's 2nd game there, my guess is the mid didn't make the connection in the moment that he was close d. and not subbing off as the lsm he was used to.

have run a similar clear for years.

Thanks this is a very detailed explanation and a big help. Sounds like from what your saying both short stick d mids came over thinking Chuck K was subbing off instead of 1 of them staying on the D end or subbing into the D end.

 

[wgdsr]

Thanks this is a very detailed explanation and a big help. Sounds like from what your saying both short stick d mids came over thinking Chuck K was subbing off instead of 1 of them staying on the D end or subbing into the D end.

yes.
there were 2 ssdm's(?) on the far side, staying on to help clear. 1 needs to stay back.

near side, the lsm and 26 had come off (you can see on restart them both waiting to sub back on and then running to the hole). each of their shorty subs went over to the offensive end (allegedly). likely maybe because both the lsm AND 26 were identified as the lsm coming off (probably separated with a time lag).

one of those 2 subs was supposed to stay onside D at all times (unless the ball was coming their way, + they're wide open, + being seen by the ball handler for a pass). once you take it down to 5v4 to make more space/simpler, only 1 guy can then go over, and that's gotta be the guy with the ball, whether carried over or passed to.