SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Syracuse counterattack in the final eight minutes after one of Cornell's best chances of the night was the difference as the Orange advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over the Big Red on Sunday afternoon at SU Soccer Stadium. Cornell concludes its magical season at 14-341, while Syracuse improved to 16-2-4, avenging a regular season loss to the Big Red in the process.

Giona Leibold scored after a wild series on the other end that goalkeeper Russell Shealy spearheaded. A Big Red corner kick found the head of Nick Allen, but Shealy corralled in the shot. His quick throw to Leibold started the re-attack, and the sophomore buried the chance on his rain-soaked home field. Shealy was credited with the assist on the play, as Leibold beat Cornell keeper Ryan Friedberg, who made three saves in a heroic effort for the Big Red, to his left.

Syracuse held a 16-9 edge in shots, though it was just 4-2 on goal and the Big Red may have had the more dangerous chances, but couldn't convert. The Big Red held a 9-2 edge in corner kicks, with Ryan Friedberg making three saves in the defeat for the Big Red in a game played in constant, drenching rain that kicked up just prior to kickoff and lasted the entire contest. 
 


Friedberg's save in the 53rd minute kept the game scoreless, as a his dive at a shot to the upper left was tipped over the crossbar in a highlight-quality play. 

Cornell's best chance of the day came in the 73rd minute when a corner kick found the head of Kisa Kiingi, which struck the post. Danny Lokko was in front to clean it up, but the shot was saved and the official's flag was up for offsides as well.

The Big Red advanced further than any team in the NCAA Tournament since reaching the quarterfinals in 1975. The 14 wins on the season finishes as the third-most in a season in school history, and just one off the school record.