The Battle for Central New York

#1 SU Men's Lacrosse Edges #10 Albany 17-16 in OT

Syracuse's Randy Staats fires a shot at Albany goalie Blaze Riordan

On Sunday, there were two NCAA Men's Lacrosse games broadcast on national television. Neither of these games was Syracuse/Albany.

Make better choices NBC Sports.

If you missed this weekend's clash between the Orange and the Great Danes, I'm genuinely upset with you. The entire contest was a living and breathing example as to why lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. This game had it all - star players, tons of offense, good goalie play, lots of physicality, a big comeback, and even a pretty raucous crowd.  

Let's get to it shall we. 

THE FRANTIC FINSH

With nearly 11 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, it looked as if the Orange was finally in control. Transfer Randy Staats had just dumped in his 5th goal of the day after a clever trick play afforded him a wide-open net on the fast break. The finish capped off a 5-goal run for Syracuse, and gave the Orange what seemed to be a commanding 16-11 lead. Albany had hung tough with Cuse all game long, but now it looked like SU was ready to send them packing back down Route 5. 

Except Albany never packed it in; Coach Scott Marr's team didn't quit. The Great Danes scored back to back goals to cut SU's lead to 16-13. Then, as Albany star attackman Lyle Thompson pushed for a another goal, he took a nasty hit to the head from a Syracuse defenseman. A few Albany players took exception to the hit, and a brief scuffle was followed by a few yellow flags from the referees. The incident only worked to further the Great Danes resolve to even the score, as they would go on to score 3 consecutive goals and tie the game with a little over 2 minutes remaining.

With the score now tied at 16-16, Albany earned the best chance to win the game in regulation. SU long stick middie Matt Harris was flagged for a slash with 55 seconds left to go in the game. The Great Danes took advantage, and had a real good look at a game-winning goal with about 30 seconds to go. But SU goalie Bobby Wardwell made a nifty save in net, got the ball downfield, and sent the game to overtime.

In OT it was the SU middies who combined to get the game-winning tally. On the Orange's first possession transfer Randy Staats dodged from the top of the box and drew two defenders, before finding a cutting Henry Schoonmaker in the middle of the defense. Schoonmaker fired a side-arm shot past Albany goalie Blaze Riordan to end the game. 

COLLEGE LACROSSE WORLD, MEET RANDY STAATS

On Sunday, the top scorer for Syracuse was a player who has only been with the program for about a month. That's pretty remarkable, and it really speaks to just how talented a lacrosse player junior transfer Randy Staats is. A week after notching 1 goal and 2 assists against Siena, Staats exploded for 5 goals and 2 assists against the Great Danes. 

One of the most incredible things about the transfer from Onondaga Community College is the way he moves off the ball. Staats is constantly in motion and seems like he has a great knack for being in the right place at the right time. 

THOMPSON TRIO GOOD AS ADVERTISED

Albany's Thompson trio is comprised of brothers Miles Thompson and Lyle Thompson, as well as their cousin Ty Thompson. All three hail from the Iroquois nation and play a fantastically unique and entertaining brand of lacrosse. They each seem to glide slowly around the field before quickly snapping into action for a pass, dodge, or shot. 

The trio combined for 7 goals and 7 assists on Sunday, even while attracting an immense amount of attention from the Syracuse defense. If you consider yourself a lacrosse fan, make a concerted effort to watch these guys play. They are that good. 

RIVALRY(?)

This Syracuse/Albany matchup has now given us two overtime thrillers in as many years. Both of these games have been well attended by fans of both teams, and Sunday's matchup included plenty of hard hits, and even a contentious moment between the two teams' benches.

Are we witnessing the birth of a New York Lacrosse Rivalry?

It's hard to say as of now. The birth of a rivalry probably depends on the Great Danes success after the graduation of the Thompson trio. Will Albany be able to stay near the top of the College Lacrosse World, as well as consistently compete with Syracuse in the future? Only time will tell.

UP NEXT

Syracuse opens up ACC Conference play with a matchup against #7 Maryland next weekend.

Should be another close one, so here's to hoping we have a packed house Saturday at 1PM.


~ Kevin Case