No. 2 Syracuse Handles UConn, 4-0

Tuesday, October 14

Storrs, CT

7 p.m.

Syracuse University

12-1-0

Connecticut

4-6-2

Syracuse

Connecticut

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

10/14/2014 10:32:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Four different players score en route to eighth straight win

STORRS, Conn. — No. 2 Syracuse (12-1-0) scored three times in the first 14 minutes of the second half and rolled to a 4-0 victory over Connecticut (4-6-2) on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at Morrone Stadium. The Orange scored four times overall in the second stanza to post its eighth consecutive win, tying the 1982 squad for the longest winning streak in team history.

The four goals came from four different players as Chris Nanco, Tyler Hilliard, Skylar Thomas and Noah Rhynhart all found the net for the Orange after the break.

Precision on set pieces was once again a key factor in SU's offensive production as two of the four goals came directly off restarts.

After a scoreless first period, Nanco beat his defender and chipped the ball over UConn keeper Scott Levene in 50th minute for his fourth goal of the season. Less than four minutes later, Hilliard pushed the Orange lead to 2-0 by burying a deflection after a Jordan Murrell corner kick.

The Orange continued its surge in the 59th minute when Murrell lined up another corner kick. His serve connected with Hilliard who put a header on goal that Levene knocked away. However, Thomas was in the right place at the right time. The 6-3 senior finished the rebound and just like that it was 3-0 Orange.

Syracuse wasn't done as Rhynhart entered the match in the 70th minute and tacked on the game's final goal a little more than 10 minutes after taking the field. He received a pass from Alex Halis in open space and beat Levene with a shot at the 81:41 mark to produce the final score.

Once again the Orange turned in a tremendous defensive effort, earning its 10th clean sheet in 13 outings. Syracuse held the Huskies to four shots in the second half and none of UConn's 11 shots in the game were on frame.

Hilliard finished with a game-high three points (1 goal, 1 assist). The Atlanta, Ga. product has been an offensive force of late with three seven points (3 goals, 1 assist) in the last two games.

Levene totaled two saves for Connecticut and Ethan Vanacore-Decker led the UConn attack with three shots.

Syracuse continues its road trip on Friday, Oct. 17 against ACC newcomer Louisville. Kickoff between the Orange and Cardinals is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Lynn Stadium.

Match Notes: The four goals scored are the most for the Orange in a game this season … Goalie Alex Bono's 10 shutouts this year are tied for second on the SU single-season record list and are one shy of Chris Whitcomb's school record of 11 set in 1986 … The win was the Orange's first road victory against the Huskies since 2000 … Rhynhart's goal was his first of the year and second of his career.