NCAAM: No. 6 Syracuse ties New Hampshire 1-1 in preseason opener

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Via Syracuse University) – Syracuse men’s soccer played the first of three exhibition matches in preparation for the 2016 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Ensley Athletic Center. The Orange tied New Hampshire, 1-1.

Syracuse controlled the action in the first half, outshooting the Wildcats, 8-1, but couldn’t find the back of the net as the teams went into the locker rooms tied at 0-0 at halftime.

New Hampshire struck first in the second half, just 1:28 after intermission, when it connected on a corner kick. The Orange were the more dangerous team the remainder of the match and evened the score in the 47th minute. Syracuse was awarded a penalty kick and senior Oyvind Alseth converted to tie the score at 1-1. The Orange continued to press forward, but couldn’t take advantage of their opportunities.

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“Overall, I’m pleased with the first performance of the year,” said Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre. “Nine new players got to play and we saw some good things. It was a good foundation to build upon.”

Syracuse outshot New Hampshire, 11-3, and earned seven corner kicks to one for the Wildcats. Orange goalkeepers Hendrick Hilpert, Pat Castle and Austin Aviza all saw time in net for Syracuse.

The Orange will play two more exhibition matches this coming week in Fort Wayne, Ind. Syracuse faces Michigan State on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. before taking on Ohio State on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. The Orange officially open the season against Massachusetts on Friday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. in the first round of the Central New York Classic at the SU Soccer Stadium.