Syracuse, Indiana Face-Off in NCAA National Championship Match

ORANGE UPDATE: 

Syracuse enters the national championship match with a 18-2-4 record, breaking a 40-year old program single-season wins record. The Orange look to win the first national title in program history. The 2022 team’s +30-goal difference is the best in Ian McIntyre‘s tenure. Syracuse also looks to become just the second team in ACC history to win its division, conference tournament, and national championship in a single-season. North Carolina was the first in 2011.

The College Cup Semifinal was an enthralling scoring showcase, as an 86th minute goal from Levonte Johnson lifted Syracuse past Creighton in a 3-2 win. Curt Calov found defender Christian Curti in the 37th minute, as Curti’s first goal of the season came at a perfect time. Creighton pulled level in the 50th minute with a Duncan McGuire goal. Nathan Opoku pushed ‘Cuse in front again just a minute later before Creighton responded with a 64th minute equalizer. Johnson sent Syracuse to the national championship match in the 86th minute, as Opoku was credited with the assist. Syracuse finished with a season-high seven saves, as Russell Shealy stopped six shots, tying a season-high.

Syracuse’s first pair of All-Americans since 1932, Johnson and Opoku have brought the Orange to a new level of success with their exciting attacking play. The forward duo has combined for 21 goals, 13 assists and 55 points. They are the highest scoring Syracuse attacking duo since Ryan Raposo and Massimo Ferrin scored a combined 60 points. Johnson and Opoku are the first two players to hit double-digit goals in a season in McIntyre’s tenure. 

The defense, anchored by centerbacks Abdi Salim, Christian Curti and Olu Oyegunle, have stifled opposing sides all season. The Orange have posted a 0.68 goals-against average, the best mark since the 2016 season. Syracuse has kept 11 shutouts this season, tied for fifth in the…