Syracuse Men’s Soccer Establishes Best Start in History.

Story by Thomas Zhou
Photos by Jiayang Zhang

Syracuse, N.Y-

The last time Alex Bono allowed a goal this season, Syracuse lost. Thanks to Alex Halis, not this time.

Halis, a sophomore midfielder, scored the game-winning goal on his first touch after coming off the bench in the 81st minute Tuesday night. His first goal of the season gave Syracuse(10-1-0) a 2-1 win over Albany(3-4-5). The victory marked the best start in the program’s history, exceeding the 9-1-1 start 20 years ago.

“I still have the adrenalin,” Halis said after the game. "I still feel it."

The Orange outshot its opponent 17-4, but it was a tough win. Goalie Tim Allen had seven saves for the Great Danes.

Orange scores first and last

Jordan Murrell scored first for the Orange in the 33rd minute. The left-footed defender scored directly from a corner kick. It was the second goal for Murrell this season.

Albany forward Afonso Pinheiro tied the game in the 55th minute after beating Syracuse defenders with his speed and scored inside the box. The goal was the second Bono has allowed this season, ending his SU record streak of not allowing a goal at 537:34. The last goal he allowed gave Notre Dame a 1-0 win, SU's only loss this season.

The game-winner came from another corner kick. Head coach Ian McIntyre told Halis to get the goal before sending him onto the field. Twenty seven seconds later, Halis complied.

Midfielder Julian Buescher called Halis when putting down the ball and took a short corner. Halis received the pass and unleashed a shot on the left side out of the box. After deflecting off a Great Danes defender, the ball got into the net.

"Alex was good tonight," McIntyre said. "He has been having a little bit of tough ride the last few games. Attacking players want to score goals. They are only happy when they score goals and create assists and create opportunities. Tonight it was good." 

The goal was enough to win it and the crowd of 887 at the SU Soccer Stadium witnessed the Orange breaking the record.

McIntyre said it was not until before this game that the team talked about the chance of breaking the record. He said there was no pressure but they felt like doing something special at home in a beautiful night.

“No one could take that away from this group now,” McIntyre said.