Syracuse FC Scores First but Falls to Rochester 2-1

Coming off a 2-1 heartbreaking loss to Erie Commodores FC on June 2, Syracuse FC wanted to grab its first home win of the season. Instead, SFC lost its third straight game when they fell to Rochester Lancers 2-1 on Wednesday night at OCC’s Laser Stadium.

Some of the early chances fell to the Lancers in the first 15 minutes. Their shots were saved by Syracuse goalkeeper Jake Leahy, however, and another chance on the break for Rochester went wide.

The chances kept on coming against Leahy’s goal. A shot in the 24th minute went just over the bar, while a tackle from SFC defender Adam Blackwell blocked another chance. The best opportunity for the Lancers came in the 36th minute, when a volley went just over the bar. The Lancers had two corners right before halftime but were unable to break the deadlock.

A hard hit to Dylan McDonald sent him flying and he left the field in the 38th minute. Patrick Strauss subbed in at the 44th. The first half ended with the score tied at 0-0.

Syracuse midfielder Djimon Johnson had the opening chance of the second half, connecting on an acrobatic volley that was saved by the Rochester goalkeeper. Syracuse managed to break the deadlock in the 51st minute, however. Midfielder Nate Bourdeau found himself 25 yards out, where he released a cannon that flew into the corner, giving Syracuse its first lead at home this season.

Another SFC substitution in the 62nd minute brought in Manny Chanelo for Ben Ramin. But SFC’s lead lasted only another couple minutes, until Lancers’ William Stone slotted one home past Leahy in the 64th to tie the game. Ten minutes later, a shot rebounded to Rafael Godoi, who put it past Leahy to give the Lancers a 2-1 lead.

Syracuse FC increased the pressure in the final 20 minutes of the match, but they were unable to finish any of their chances. After an additional five minutes of stoppage time, SFC ended up losing the match 2-1, still seeking their first win at home this season.

Syracuse FC is home again this Saturday, June 9th when it faces FC Buffalo in a rematch. The last game between these two teams was on May 27th when FC Buffalo won 4-1.

Match day tickets are available at the box office beginning one hour prior to every home game (at 6:00 pm). Or purchase your tickets in advance at www.syracusefcshop.net/match-tickets/ and receive an online discount. Season tickets are available at www.syracusefcshop.net/season-tickets/.

Contributor: Kristen Klawitter/Syracuse FC
Photo Credit:  Bob Friske