ITHACA, NEW YORK - Tim Brdaric needed just 81 seconds to write the story of Cornell's 2-1 victory over Syracuse, slotting home Ernest Mensah Jr's precise through ball before a crowd of 1,542 at Charles F. Berman Field. The early goal propelled the Big Red to their third consecutive win, extending their unbeaten streak to 11 matches.
The early breakthrough set the tone for what became an intense defensive battle, with Syracuse struggling to create clear chances against Cornell's organized backline. The Orange managed just two shots on target through 90 minutes, while Cornell's goalkeeper made one save to protect the lead.
Cornell's tactical approach in the first half focused on controlling possession through their midfield trio of Andrew Johnson, James Taylor, and Jack Harris. Johnson's incisive passing and Harris's energetic pressing disrupted Syracuse's defensive rhythm, allowing the Big Red to dominate territorial advantage. Syracuse's best chance came in the 31st minute when their forward was denied by Cornell's goalkeeper after a well-weighted pass from their midfielder.
As the first half drew to a close, Cornell continued to press high up the pitch, creating half-spaces that allowed Mensah Jr to make dangerous runs behind Syracuse's defense. The pressure ultimately paid off just after halftime when Westin Carnevale doubled Cornell's lead in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Syracuse.
Syracuse attempted to mount a comeback, introducing fresh legs in the second half. Their efforts were rewarded in the 76th minute when Blake Donahue pulled one back for the Orange, but it was too little, too late. Cornell's defense held firm, marshaling their remaining energy to see out the win.
The statistical ledger reveals a tale of two contrasting performances. Cornell outshot Syracuse 20-8 overall and held a commanding 7-2 advantage in shots on target. Syracuse, meanwhile, edged the corner-kick battle 6-4, though neither team capitalized on their set-piece opportunities. The Big Red's defensive solidity was epitomized by their ability to limit Syracuse's clear chances, forcing the Orange into speculative long-range efforts that rarely threatened.
The victory represents more than three points for Cornell; it cements their position as a top contender in the conference. With a 10-2-1 record and a 3-1 mark in league play, the Big Red remain on a three-match winning streak. Their next challenge comes against Brown, a team looking to bounce back from recent losses. For Syracuse, the loss extends their losing streak to two games, leaving them with a 6-6-2 overall record and a 3-3 conference mark. They'll look to regroup against North Carolina.
Looking ahead, the paths diverge sharply for these two teams. Cornell will look to maintain their defensive discipline while continuing to create scoring opportunities through their dynamic midfield. Syracuse, meanwhile, must address their defensive vulnerabilities and improve their finishing to remain competitive.
The afternoon belonged to Cornell—and specifically to their defensive unit, who withstood Syracuse's late pressure to secure the win. As the Big Red celebrate their third consecutive victory, they'll be focused on their upcoming clash with Brown.
Key Players:
Tim Brdaric (Cornell) – The match-winner showed clinical finishing, slotting home Mensah Jr's through ball with composure in the opening minute.
Ernest Mensah Jr (Cornell) – Threaded a perfectly weighted pass through Syracuse's defense to unlock the Orange backline and create Brdaric's goal.
Westin Carnevale (Cornell) – Doubled Cornell's lead just after halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error by Syracuse to put the game out of reach.
Blake Donahue (Syracuse) – Pulled one back for the Orange with a well-taken goal, though it ultimately proved too little, too late.