VILLANOVA, PA.  – Senior Lars Muller (Brandenburg, Germany) broke a scoreless tie in the 68th minute to lead the SU men’s soccer team (11-4-0, 4-2-0 BIG EAST) to a 2-0 victory against Villanova (10-3-2, 2-1-2 BIG EAST) on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at the Villanova Soccer Complex. The four conference victories mark the most in a season for the Orange since 2008.

“It was a fantastic result on the road,” said SU head coach Ian McIntyre. “It was a real test to come to an undefeated team like Villanova in the BIG EAST. However, the guys followed the game plan and we came out worthy winners.”

The match was evenly played in the first half. SU was aggressive early, registering the game’s first three shots in the opening 10 minutes. However, Villanova responded, as both teams traded opportunities throughout the first period.

Syracuse was able to break through in the 72nd minute, however, when Louis Clark (Brighton, England) serviced a well-placed ball into the box, which Muller headed to the near post for his fifth goal of the season.

SU added another tally in the 89th minute on a Villanova own goal.

The Orange defense handled the Wildcats for the remainder of the match, limiting Villanova to five shots on goal. Rookie goalkeeper Alex Bono (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) recorded his eighth shutout of the season on five saves en route to his 10th win of the season.

Villanova owned a 15-13 shot advantage, while the Orange held a 2-1 edge in corner kicks. Wildcat goalkeeper John Fogarty registered six saves.

Syracuse returns to the SU Soccer Stadium to celebrate senior night against DePaul on Saturday, Oct. 20. Match time is set for 7:30 p.m.   

Match Notes: Following SU’s 1-0 win at USF on Oct. 13 and today’s victory, the Orange has now won consecutive road matches in the BIG EAST for the first time since 2001, when Syracuse defeated Villanova (4-1) and Rutgers (3-2) … SU picked up its first win against Villanova since 2006 … The Orange recorded its 10th team shutout this season, the most clean sheets in a season since 1989.

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