Once, Twice, Three Times a Victory: Lancers Defeat Syracuse 2-1
Last year saw Rochester beat Syracuse 2-0 at home and away. This year, the Lancers were looking to pick up their first win of the season, similar to last year, where their first win was against Syracuse after an 0-2 start.
They delivered again, with a 2-1 road win. Rochester has become a thorn in the side of Syracuse FC and former Rochester River Dogz coach Matt Tantalo, as they improve to 3-0 all-time versus their Interstate 90 rivals. Syracuse came into the game at 1-3 in fifth place, and the Lancers at 0-2-1, desperately needing a win as they sat in sixth place in the Midwest Region’s East Conference. Syracuse’s lone win was against Binghamton, while they dropped two games to Erie, and one to FC Buffalo. The Lancers had losses versus Cleveland SC and FC Buffalo, and a tie against Erie.
Both teams traded opportunities in the first half, with Syracuse coming closest with a shot off the post, but the score went into halftime 0-0. Syracuse FC opened the scoring in the 51st minute with former Rochester Rhino Nate Bourdeau crushing a shot from 25 yards out into the top corner to give the home team a 1-0 lead.
In the 64th minute Lancers midfielder Ben Allan connected nicely with Will Stone, who slotted home his second goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1. The Lancers broke the tie in the 74th minute when a Lukas Fernandes shot was saved, and Rafa Godoi was able to put away the rebound to secure the three points and a 2-1 victory for the visitors. The win puts Rochester at 1-2-1 moving the Lancers into fifth place with four points. Syracuse drops to 1-4 and falls to sixth place.
Rochester Lancers General Manager Marc Mandell shared a number of comments about the game.
“It’s great to get our first win of the season today. Hopefully this will be the catalyst to carry us forward the rest of the way.”
The two teams meet again in Rochester on Sunday, June 17th at 5:00 pm at Marina Auto Dodge Stadium.
Contributor: Rochester Lancers
Photo Credit: Gary Crawford
