Syracuse kicked off their 2025 season in dominant fashion, hosting Jacksonville for their season opener and securing an overwhelming 24-5 victory. With high expectations surrounding the team this year, Syracuse entered the game as one of the most anticipated programs in the nation. Their 2022 recruiting class, now more experienced, has added depth and skill to the roster, and their recent progress under head coach Gary Gait has been remarkable.
Photo Cred: Cuse.com
Gait has led the Orange to increasingly successful seasons, culminating in an NCAA Quarterfinal appearance in 2024—Syracuse’s first since 2017. Though Jacksonville is not part of the ACC, the matchup still presented a clear opportunity for Syracuse to assert their dominance. The Orange wasted no time doing so, delivering their biggest lopsided win since 2022, when they defeated Holy Cross 28-3. Despite his connection to Syracuse as a former player and one of the program’s all-time great goalies, Jacksonville head coach John Galloway found himself in the midst of a challenging battle. His team faced an uphill climb after falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter and a half.
The Orange came out with relentless energy, executing their game plan with precision. Syracuse’s offensive firepower was on full display, with midfielder Michael Leo leading the charge, scoring 4 goals on 6 shots. His performance helped set the tone early and kept the Dolphins from gaining any momentum. In goal, starting goalie Jimmy McCool was solid, finishing with 6 saves and allowing just two goals.
His performance was key in limiting Jacksonville’s offensive opportunities and ensuring the Orange kept control throughout the game. Jacksonville’s goalie, Ryan Della Rocco, struggled in the face of Syracuse’s offensive onslaught, recording his second-worst save percentage (29.6%) since becoming a starter. He allowed 19 goals during the game, with the defense in front of him unable to mitigate Syracuse’s pressure. Jacksonville also struggled with turnovers, committing 21 on the day compared to just 13 shots on goal.
Photo Cred: Cuse.com
The Orange capitalized on these mistakes, putting together one of their most complete passing performances in recent memory. By halftime, Syracuse had built a commanding 9-goal lead, and they showed no signs of slowing down after the break. The Orange added 10 more goals in the third quarter, pushing their lead to an insurmountable 21-2. The lopsided nature of the game underscored the continued dominance of the Orange against unranked, non-conference opponents in 2024, where their average margin of victory was an impressive 8.3 goals.
Saturday’s victory further emphasized their strength and commitment to maintaining that level of play. While Jacksonville was expected to put up a tougher challenge, given their strong run to the ASUN Conference Championship in 2024 and their spot in the conference’s preseason poll, the Orange made it clear they were on a different level. The Dolphins struggled to match Syracuse’s speed, execution, and firepower, ultimately falling far short of an upset.
Looking ahead, Syracuse will look to carry the momentum from this dominant performance into their upcoming games. The team faces a much tougher slate of opponents, including high-profile matchups against Maryland, North Carolina, and Notre Dame. Two of those games will take place in the JMA Wireless Dome, where the Orange will look to maintain their dominance on home turf, while their game against Maryland will be held in College Park. With the 2025 season now underway, Syracuse appears poised to continue their ascent as one of the premier programs in college lacrosse.
