CARY, N.C. (NCC News) — No. 6 Syracuse men’s soccer pulled the 3-0 upset over No. 3 NC State in the ACC Quarterfinal match last Sunday and geared up to face No. 7 SMU in the semifinal round Thursday.
The Orange battled through an up-and-down regular season, including a 1-1 draw against that same Wolfpack squad just weeks ago. Following a first-round win over Virginia Tech last week, SU rode a hot goaltender into Sunday’s match. Senior Tomas Hut shined, stopping nine shots and recording a clean sheet against one of the nation’s top teams.
With no score after a half of play, Syracuse sophomore Sachiel Ming received a pass from Chimere Omeze and found the back of the net to give the Orange a 1-0 advantage. Shortly after, in the 69th minute, freshman Carlos Zambrano took a corner kick and perfectly bent it inside the post to double the lead. Omeze put the game away in the 86th minute with a breakaway goal.
Syracuse moved on to face a fellow underdog in No. 7 SMU on Thursday. The Orange conquered the Mustangs 2-0 earlier this season.
“Both of these teams have about as good of momentum as you can have in college soccer,” CitrusTV beat reporter Adam Hipsky said.
The postseason success resulted in a buzz around campus typically reserved for football and men’s basketball. It was an excitement that the men’s soccer team had not had since it won the national title in 2022.
“I think it’s great that they’re winning again and I think the fanbase is really starting to rally behind them,” Syracuse student Josh Rothert said.
Syracuse and SMU kicked off Thursday night at 8 p.m.