Powellfan
Renowned lacrosse analyst
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2014
- Messages
- 5,732
- Like
- 9,215
The Orange did not have the start to the season that many predicted or hoped in their game against Army, losing 18-11. I had thought there was a chance Army would pull off the upset, but was shocked to see the final score line. But the Orange can't spend a long feeling bad for themselves as they have one of the best teams in the country coming to the Dome on Saturday. What can we expect from Virginia, and what are the chances the Orange pull off the upset?
Offensively, UVA is very scary. Their top six might be the best in the country. The player with the biggest question marks in the offseason, former #1 recruit Conor Shellenberger leads the team in scoring. And oh yea, First Team AA quality midfielder Dox Aitkin is still getting his feet wet. Physically they are very imposing with Moore, Aitkin, Charlie Bertrand and of course, most scary of all, Payton Cormier. For SU, its going to be tough, especially after last week's dreadful performance on defense. If there is hope, it's that SU and UVA have an almost gentleman's agreement to roll the ball out there and play, there is not a lot of overthinking by the coaches, and this is what might have gotten SU stuck against Army (especially in the clearing game). Keys will be sliding and withstanding the UVA ride. SU can't freak out if a shorty gets matched up against Moore or Cormier, and need to be smart about when to slide. For years now it seems that the Orange spend much of the game overly concerned about matchup integrity, instead of just trying to play good, fundamental defense. Also, UVA is tenacious on the ride - SU didn't face much pressure against the Knights, but certainly looked rusty. They'll have to be ready.
On defense, the Cavs showed some cracks against a decent but not dominating Loyola team who had a lot of success jamming the ball in to the crease. Syracuse was able to jam the ball, but had a hard time finishing against Army. The Cavs have always struck me as a team with great athletes on defense, but one that doesn't play as a team. SU will have to move the ball and can't think they'll run by each of their defenders. Army clearly showed that SU is susceptible when the midfield is double poled, how does the Orange counter? Many of us are calling for Hiltz, we shall see if we see the move. Also the Cavs have one of the best LSMs in the country in Jarred Connors. Have to think that he'll draw the Dordevic matchup after the Army performance. Curry and Trimboli were quiet against the Knights, combining for 2 goals on 8 shots. Big question is who the Cavs will have in goal, Gavin, who came back to earth with only nine saves against Loyola, or the normal starter Rhode.
Perhaps the scariest part of this UVA team is the way their face-off unit is playing - Petey LaSalla is facing off at an absurd 73% and has three points on the season. He's quick and athletic. Phaup was a decent 60% against Army but wore down as the game went on and Varello only took 3 face-offs. Seems silly to look back to 2019, but the SU unit went 14-30 against UVA in their last matchup. Would be happy with that kind of performance to be honest.
So, does SU have a chance this weekend? Of course they do, but they will have to improve rapidly from last week. Gone must be the selfishness on offense, and the defense needs to communicate and move their feet. Hopefully the big loss will motivate and serve as a kick in the pants for a team that is a lot better than what they showed against Army. But I just don't think this is the week to beat UVA. Perhaps later in the season when they have their rematch, but right now I think SU has too much to work on. I sincerely hope I am wrong, but I'd be happy if the team shows improvement and starts playing like a team. They have tons of talent, but they need to wield it properly. Big question is if Desko and staff make personnel changes this week. Sounds crazy, starring down a 0-2 start against a top three team, but the sooner things change the better. Frankly, all the out of conference games this year are must wins, and if you start implementing new players at new spots against UVM, it might not be such a quick fix and be too late. Better to implement Hiltz at attack now, and if you are going to try new players at defense.
Offensively, UVA is very scary. Their top six might be the best in the country. The player with the biggest question marks in the offseason, former #1 recruit Conor Shellenberger leads the team in scoring. And oh yea, First Team AA quality midfielder Dox Aitkin is still getting his feet wet. Physically they are very imposing with Moore, Aitkin, Charlie Bertrand and of course, most scary of all, Payton Cormier. For SU, its going to be tough, especially after last week's dreadful performance on defense. If there is hope, it's that SU and UVA have an almost gentleman's agreement to roll the ball out there and play, there is not a lot of overthinking by the coaches, and this is what might have gotten SU stuck against Army (especially in the clearing game). Keys will be sliding and withstanding the UVA ride. SU can't freak out if a shorty gets matched up against Moore or Cormier, and need to be smart about when to slide. For years now it seems that the Orange spend much of the game overly concerned about matchup integrity, instead of just trying to play good, fundamental defense. Also, UVA is tenacious on the ride - SU didn't face much pressure against the Knights, but certainly looked rusty. They'll have to be ready.
On defense, the Cavs showed some cracks against a decent but not dominating Loyola team who had a lot of success jamming the ball in to the crease. Syracuse was able to jam the ball, but had a hard time finishing against Army. The Cavs have always struck me as a team with great athletes on defense, but one that doesn't play as a team. SU will have to move the ball and can't think they'll run by each of their defenders. Army clearly showed that SU is susceptible when the midfield is double poled, how does the Orange counter? Many of us are calling for Hiltz, we shall see if we see the move. Also the Cavs have one of the best LSMs in the country in Jarred Connors. Have to think that he'll draw the Dordevic matchup after the Army performance. Curry and Trimboli were quiet against the Knights, combining for 2 goals on 8 shots. Big question is who the Cavs will have in goal, Gavin, who came back to earth with only nine saves against Loyola, or the normal starter Rhode.
Perhaps the scariest part of this UVA team is the way their face-off unit is playing - Petey LaSalla is facing off at an absurd 73% and has three points on the season. He's quick and athletic. Phaup was a decent 60% against Army but wore down as the game went on and Varello only took 3 face-offs. Seems silly to look back to 2019, but the SU unit went 14-30 against UVA in their last matchup. Would be happy with that kind of performance to be honest.
So, does SU have a chance this weekend? Of course they do, but they will have to improve rapidly from last week. Gone must be the selfishness on offense, and the defense needs to communicate and move their feet. Hopefully the big loss will motivate and serve as a kick in the pants for a team that is a lot better than what they showed against Army. But I just don't think this is the week to beat UVA. Perhaps later in the season when they have their rematch, but right now I think SU has too much to work on. I sincerely hope I am wrong, but I'd be happy if the team shows improvement and starts playing like a team. They have tons of talent, but they need to wield it properly. Big question is if Desko and staff make personnel changes this week. Sounds crazy, starring down a 0-2 start against a top three team, but the sooner things change the better. Frankly, all the out of conference games this year are must wins, and if you start implementing new players at new spots against UVM, it might not be such a quick fix and be too late. Better to implement Hiltz at attack now, and if you are going to try new players at defense.