SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Syracuse (7-6-2) secured a crucial 1-0 victory over North Carolina (8-3-4) in NCAA men's soccer action on Saturday evening. Landon Darko's 35th-minute goal proved the difference in a tightly contested match that saw the Orange defend resolutely against a persistent Tar Heels attack.
The decisive moment came in the 35th minute when Carlos Zambrano found Darko, who finished clinically to give Syracuse the lead. The goal came during a period of sustained pressure from the Orange, who had weathered several early North Carolina chances.
The first half saw North Carolina establish an early attacking rhythm, with Nacho Abeal testing Syracuse goalkeeper Tomas Hut with two shots in the 7th and 14th minutes. Charlie Antonelius nearly put the Tar Heels ahead in the 17th minute, but his effort sailed high. Syracuse gradually found their footing, with Ernest Mensah Jr. creating danger in the 19th minute before Darko's breakthrough goal changed the complexion of the match.
North Carolina intensified their pursuit of an equalizer after the break, generating multiple quality chances. Dan Klink forced a save from Hut in the 67th minute, while Jack Sandmeyer's 84th-minute attempt missed narrowly wide. The match's complexity shifted dramatically in the 83rd minute when Syracuse's Chimere Omeze received a straight red card for serious foul play, forcing the Orange to defend with 10 men for the final minutes.
The statistics reflected North Carolina's offensive dominance, as they outshot Syracuse 19-10, including 8 shots on target to Syracuse's 5. The Tar Heels also held a significant advantage in corner kicks (8-3), but couldn't convert these opportunities into goals. Syracuse goalkeeper Tomas Hut proved instrumental with 8 saves, while North Carolina's Andrew Cordes recorded 4 saves.
Several players stood out individually despite the low-scoring affair. Syracuse's Landon Darko not only scored the winner but remained a constant threat before being substituted in the 80th minute. Carlos Zambrano's creative presence was evident throughout, providing the crucial assist and testing Cordes with a dangerous shot in the 81st minute. For North Carolina, Charlie Antonelius generated multiple scoring opportunities, while Bertil Rygaard Hansen's midfield presence helped maintain the Tar Heels' territorial advantage.
The tactical battle showcased Syracuse's ability to absorb pressure and strike efficiently on the counter. North Carolina's high-pressing approach created numerous chances but left them vulnerable to Syracuse's quick transitions. The Orange's defensive organization, particularly after going down to 10 men, proved crucial in preserving their lead.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for Syracuse, who entered the match following consecutive losses to Pittsburgh and Cornell. For North Carolina, the defeat ends a positive run that included a convincing 3-0 win over Virginia Tech, marking their first loss in five matches.
The match ultimately hinged on Syracuse's clinical finishing and resolute defending, particularly in the final minutes while playing with 10 men. Despite North Carolina's statistical advantages and late siege on the Syracuse goal, the Orange's defensive unit, anchored by Hut's commanding performance, stood firm to secure all three points.
Both teams now turn their attention to crucial conference matchups on October 31, with Syracuse traveling to NC State and North Carolina hosting Duke in what promises to be another pivotal evening of ACC soccer action.