SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sometimes all it takes is one moment, and one moment is all the men's soccer team needed to do the seemingly impossible and down No. 11 Syracuse, 1-0, in overtime on Tuesday night at the SU Soccer Stadium. The win marked the first time since 2001 that Cornell (2-3-1) has walked away victorious versus the Orange (4-2-2).
"It was a great game," said head coach John Smith. "I knew that the longer the game went on where it was close on the score line, it would favor us a bit because I think there was a possibility that our opponent came here and maybe looked past us a bit and we possibly capitalized on that. But in all honesty, I thought we created great chances. We got more shots on target. We had more shots and it worked and that's all I ask from our guys. It requires no talent and yet they did a fantastic job of really working hard."
It was ultimately Ryan Hill who came through with the heroics for the Big Red, beating Syracuse's goalkeeper Hendrick Hilpert in the 99th minute to secure the upset. What made the junior's contribution so significant was that this was his first-career appearance in a game donning the Carnelian Red and White.
"I'm so happy for him because when guys aren't getting it, I always say to them that you never know when your moment is going to come," said Smith. "He's one of the guys that has quietly gone about his work and he deserved to get in today. For him to score a goal, that just is evidence of somebody taking an opportunity when it comes their way and that's beautiful."
The winning sequence began with a throw in that made its way to Tyler Bagley, who then passed the ball towards to the top of the 18-yard box where Hill was positioned. Hill then ensued in a one-on-one battle with the keeper, but Hilpert stood no chance as the junior knocked in the ball with his left foot to secure the elusive win for the team.
Goalkeeper Mitchell Meyer also came through in the clutch when the squad needed it most. Before the night's contest, Meyer had only played 27 minutes this season, but the senior showed no signs of rust in his first start of the year.
Meyer was composed in the net, racking up three saves to blank the Syracuse squad that was previously averaging two goals and 5.43 points per game.
"He made some excellent low saves and he just did a great job," said Smith. "Any through balls he was on quickly and he made some vital stops. He's been patient and continues to be a positive influence in the locker room and the training facility. He's been wonderful and he deserved to have a win tonight."
Cornell's offensive force was also in full power as they peppered the opposition with nine shots, forcing the Orange's Hilpert to make four saves.
Kepler Despinos led the offensive charge, notching a career-high three shots, two of which were on target. The two teams were on a pretty even playing field in terms of shots, with Cornell having the slight advantage, 9-8. Syracuse tallied a total of 11 corner kicks while Cornell took six.
The team returns home this week and welcomes St. Francis College Brooklyn to Berman Field at 4:30 pm on Sept. 22.
