Syracuse’s 14–8 loss to Maryland in the NCAA lacrosse semifinals on May 24, 2025, was a decisive setback that highlighted several critical areas for the Orange. Here are three key takeaways from the game:
1. Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed
Syracuse’s defense struggled to contain Maryland’s balanced offensive attack. The Terrapins executed an 8–0 run spanning the first and second quarters, taking an 8–2 lead into halftime. Defensive standout Will Schaller effectively neutralized Syracuse’s top scorer, Joey Spallina, limiting him to just one assist. This defensive lapse allowed Maryland to control the game’s tempo and momentum.
2. Offensive Inconsistencies
Despite entering the game with a potent offense, Syracuse’s attack was stifled by Maryland’s defensive schemes. The Orange were held to their third-lowest scoring output of the season, with only eight goals. This offensive stagnation prevented Syracuse from mounting a successful comeback, even as they attempted to rally in the second half.
3. Faceoff Battle Tilted Toward Maryland
Faceoffs are crucial in lacrosse, and Maryland dominated this aspect of the game, winning 14 of 24 faceoffs. Syracuse’s John Mullen, who had been a standout faceoff specialist, was outperformed by Maryland’s Shea Keethler, who went 9 for 12. This disparity in faceoff wins limited Syracuse’s possession time and their ability to generate offensive opportunities.
In conclusion, Syracuse’s loss to Maryland was a comprehensive defeat that underscored the importance of defensive solidity, offensive execution, and faceoff proficiency. Addressing these areas will be crucial for the Orange in future
matchups.
