One of the big question marks heading into the season was: What will Syracuse’s offense look like after the departure of five of its top six scorers, including Tewaaraton candidate Kevin Rice?
We got our first glimpse — in regular-season play, at least — of that offense in the Orange’s 18-5 win against Siena at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. Dylan Donahue had five goals and four assists, while Tim Barber (2G, 3A), Nick Piroli (2, 3), Devin Shewell (2G), Sergio Salcido (2G) and Jordan Evans (2G) had multiple goals.
Face-off specialist Ben Williams picked off right where he started from last year, winning 12 of 16 attempts.
Syracuse sizzles in debut Offense usually isn't a problem for Syracuse, so the Orange's 18-5 triumph over Siena on Saturday isn't out of place for a typical opener in the Carrier Dome. Still, John Desko's team has a considerably new look on offense with five starters gone off a team that earned the No. 2 seed in last year's NCAA tournament.
The first real glimpse of the Orange confirmed what was anticipated in the preseason: Dylan Donahue is the central figure, and his role will be especially large early in the season. The senior had four goals and five assists in the opener, starting alongside Jordan Evans and Brown graduate transfer on attack. Both of them had a pair of goals.
The midfield has a new look as well: Tim Barber, Nick Mariano (a Massachusetts transfer) and Sergio Salcido, who combined for five goals and four assists. The Orange was sloppy at times (18 turnovers, including 10 in the first half), but it also shot 43.9 percent.
There's still plenty to learn about Syracuse, but a stress-free opener was a solid first step .
Syracuse’s Dylan Donahue has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Men’s Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week, while teammate Nick Mellen and Duke’s Kyle Rowe are this week’s co-Defensive Players of the Week.