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  • No. 25 Syracuse Defeats Niagra In The Home Opener For The Orange, 3-0

No. 25 Syracuse Defeats Niagra In The Home Opener For The Orange, 3-0

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Soccer

The No. 25 Syracuse men's soccer team downed Niagara, 3-0, on Sunday night at SU Soccer Stadium in the Orange's home opener.

Ezra Widman, Chimere Omeze, and Nicholas Kaloukian found the back of the net in a match where the Orange dominated on offense, outshooting the Purple Eagles, 28-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
'Cuse got to work on offense early in the contest, with Andre Cutler-DeJesus taking the team's first shot of the night four minutes into the match. After Kaloukian and Michael Acquah followed with two additional shots, the Orange let up what would be Niagara's lone shot of the half.

Syracuse continued its hunt for its first goal of the night but came up empty five times until Widman tapped a cross from Sachiel Ming into the back of the net in the 25th minute.

Omeze added to the Orange's lead nine minutes later, using a header off a free kick from Elton Chifamba to put 'Cuse up 2-0.

The score would remain the same until the 53rd minute when Kaloukian gave SU some insurance off a ball from Acquah.

Syracuse tacked on 11 more shots throughout the second frame, but could not add to its lead, as the team went on to win, 3-0.

OF NOTE: 

  • Kaloukian led the offensive charge for the Orange with six shots. Acquah was not far behind, sending five shots to the net, one more than his 'Cuse debut at Colgate (Aug. 22).
  • Omeze's goal was his second in as many games in the freshman's young career.
  • Widman recorded his first collegiate goal and start on Sunday.
  • Chifamba, Ming, and Acquah all earned the first assists of their Syracuse career. Ming's helper was also the first of his collegiate career.
  • The Orange outshot the Purple Eagles, 28-2 (+26), the largest margin since Oct. 22, 2019, when 'Cuse outshot Morrisville, 33-1 (+32).
  • Omeze's goal was the first score on a set piece for the Orange this season.
  • 'Cuse earned seven more corners than Niagara (8-1).
  • Syracuse moves to 19-4-0 all-time again Niagara.
  • Three players (Carlos Zambrano, Kristjan Fortier, Garrett Holman) made their debuts in a 'Cuse kit in the victory over Niagara.

UP NEXT: 

'Cuse continues its three-match homestand on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. when it hosts Charlotte. The contest will be streamed on ACC Network Extra, and admission and parking will be free for everyone in attendance.