The Syracuse women's soccer team looked refreshed Sunday afternoon in a 2-0 win over Colgate despite unseasonably warm temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s.
The Orange had to be on its game. Having gone three weeks without a win and with the Big East schedule looming, getting a win Sunday was vital for SU.
"I think it's really important to get a win at home before we go into the Big East," said forward Megan Bellingham. "We didn't want that feeling again that we had the last two weeks. We worked hard this week and changed our attitudes coming out."
Syracuse (2-3-1) wasted no time and controlled the ball early, scoring its first goal in the 12th minute of the game. Senior Karrah Benson set up the shot for Bellingham, who headed the ball into the net for her team-leading fifth goal of the season.
That proved to be the game-winner for Syracuse, which hadn't won since its first game on Aug. 22 at home against Albany.
"We knew it was important early on for our mentality to score early," Bellingham said. "It wasn't the prettiest goal, but you have to take advantage of every opportunity you get."
Junior goalkeeper Eliza Bennett-Hattan recorded her second shutout of the season, and 14th of her career, moving her into a tie for first place on Syracuse's career shutout leaders list.
SU head coach Phil Wheddon tried to get the most out of his players in the heat by resting them on the bench while giving playing time to others.
"Heat is definitely a factor - in Syracuse, it's generally not this hot," Bellingham said. "I think you definitely have to give credit to everybody. We had a lot of players come off the bench, and they all contributed for us, so I'm really happy about that."
Forward Tessa MacDougall solidified the win for Syracuse a little more than 10 minutes into the second half with a goal assisted by senior Amy Ware. Ware's shot bounced off a Colgate defender to MacDougall, who placed it in the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
"We were more organized on attack and defense," Wheddon said. "We created more chances and took advantage of those chances. There was more effort, passion, commitment and determination from all of our players."
Syracuse was active on the field, out-shooting Colgate, 10-6, with five corner kicks. Bennett-Hattan also recorded four saves moving her into a tie for second on SU's career saves list with 196. Thought she only needed to make four saves, the junior helped keep the Colgate defense in check.
"I guess the better I do, the better the team does," Bennett-Hattan said. "I'll push up the field, come forward, support and communicate with the team."
Wheddon also credited the intensity and effort of Bellingham. The sophomore not only has the most goals on the team, but moved into sole possession of second place in the Big East in goals scored with five.
The win over Colgate (1-6) was the first of a four-game homestand for Syracuse with Big East play starting on Friday against St. John's. Homefield advantage is especially important to the team because its only two wins have come at home. Wheddon said that playing at home in the SU Soccer Stadium is a luxury for his team, and he feels the Orange play better in front of its home fans.
The team will no doubt welcome play at home. Wheddon said the tough double-overtime tie against Fordham last Friday was like a loss for the team, but gave them incentive to be prepared for their fans the next four games. If Sunday's game was any indication of improved play, the upcoming home stand will be a step in the right direction.
"I think today definitely generated some momentum for us going into next weekend and the Big East," MacDougall said. "I think we have struggled the past few games just getting our team to come together through training and I feel like we have a lot of positive stuff coming into the next few games."
jcmccaff@syr.edu
Be the first to comment on this article!