All Eyes on Ben Polk as SU Travels to Colgate and Duke This Week

By Ellen Burr

SYRACUSE, N.Y. –

Syracuse Men’s Soccer (5-2-1) will hit the road this week as the team takes on Colgate (4-2-1) and Duke.

The Orange will make the quick trip to Hamilton, N.Y. Tuesday night to face Colgate. The Raiders are coming off an upset victory over #19 American University this past Saturday. Junior forward Ethan Kutler scored two goals in the second half, leading Colgate to a 2-1 comeback win over the Eagles.

On Friday, Syracuse will head down south to Durham, N.C. to challenge ACC-rival Duke (4-3-1). The Orange hold a record of 1-1-1 in the ACC this season, just edging Duke’s record of 0-2-1 in the conference. The Blue Devils fell to second-ranked UNC (8-0-1) this past weekend, losing to the Tarheels 2-1. The lone Duke goal was scored by senior midfield Zach Mathers. Duke will be playing Davidson this Tuesday before Friday’s game against the Orange.

Polk-aing Through Pitt

Junior forward Ben Polk led Syracuse Men’s Soccer with three goals as the Orange trounced Pittsburgh (4-2-1) 5-0 Friday night. It was a crisp night at SU Soccer Stadium, as 2,011 fans witnessed Polk light up the Panther’s goal. The junior’s hat trick was also the first three goals of his Syracuse career, after playing two years at Herkimer Community College.

"There was a little bit of pressure," Polk said. "There wasn't a day gone by that I didn't hear from somebody, 'You going to score today?' So, yeah it was definitely good to get on the score sheet. Three - I felt a bit spoiled tonight."

Strong Service by Alseth

Syracuse took the lead late in the first half, with a goal scored by senior forward Noah Rhynhart, joint assisted by Polk and junior midfield Oyvind Alseth. Alseth had three assists in the game for the Orange.

Alseth tacked on his second assist late in the first half, as he crossed the ball to Polk for Syracuse’s second goal of the game.

Orange, Polk Continue to Dominate in Second Half

Polk nailed his second goal of the game in the 54^th minute, after a lofted from defenseman Liam Callahan connected with Polk’s foot, making the score 3-0.

Just a minute after scoring the third goal of the game, the Orange tacked on a fourth, as sophomore midfielder Julian Buescher found the back of the net off of a pass to the top of the box from Alseth.

The Orange continued to pave through the Panthers, dominating possession and holding Pitt to only two shots for the whole game. Ben Polk put a bow on the night in the 57th minute, achieving his hat trick. Polk's final goal of the game was unassisted, making the final score of the night 5-0.

"It's tough to score three goals in a game," Syracuse Coach Ian McIntyre said. "And it's even tougher in an ACC game. So he'll enjoy that tonight."