Syracuse men’s soccer offense surges with balanced attack in early 2026 season
Syracuse Orange men’s soccer enters its matchup with Colgate holding a 35-29-11 all-time series lead and three players tied for the team scoring lead. The team’s balanced offense is shaping the story of college soccer in Central New York this fall.
Pedro Gulli jogged off the practice field behind Manley on Tuesday, sweat still beading on his brow. He’d just finished extra shooting drills, working on his left foot with assistant coach Jukka Masalin. “We’re all hungry to score,” Gulli said, nodding toward teammates Jordan Grey and Bryson Rodriguez, who were still taking shots at the far net. “It’s not just one guy. Everyone’s got to step up.”
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That’s been the story for the Orange so far in 2026. Gulli, Grey, and Rodriguez each have six points through the first five games, according to Syracuse.com. Gulli leads with three goals, but Grey and Rodriguez have chipped in with a mix of goals and assists. The Orange, who play their home games at the JMA Wireless Dome, have leaned on this depth to stay competitive, even after a tough 2-0 loss at Boston College last week.
“We don’t have a superstar who’s going to score 15 goals,” head coach Ian McIntyre said after practice. “But we’ve got five or six guys who can hurt you. That’s how you win in the ACC.”
By The Numbers
- 35-29-11, Syracuse’s all-time series record against Colgate, per Syracuse.com
- Three, number of Syracuse players tied for the team lead with six points each, according to Syracuse.com
- 2011, the last year Colgate defeated Syracuse in men’s soccer, per Syracuse.com
- 3-0, Syracuse’s victory margin over Colgate in 2025, per Syracuse.com
- One, number of goals Colgate has scored against Syracuse since 2018, according to Syracuse.com
- 2-0, Syracuse’s most recent loss at Boston College, per Syracuse.com
- Three, number of goals scored by Pedro Gulli, leading the Orange, per Syracuse.com
- One, number of game-winning goals each by Rodriguez, Ming, and Honeywood this season, per Syracuse.com
- Three, points scored by Colgate’s Ryan Schachter, per Syracuse.com
- One, number of goals Colgate scored in their last match (a 1-0 loss to American), per Syracuse.com
- 2018, the last time Colgate scored against Syracuse, per Syracuse.com
- September 15, 2026, date of the Syracuse vs. Colgate match, per Syracuse.com
Balanced scoring defines Syracuse’s early season
Rodriguez’s game-winning goal against UAlbany on August 29 set the tone for the Orange’s approach this fall. The junior from Miami found the net in the 78th minute, finishing a cross from Sachiel Ming. “We’re all looking for each other,” Rodriguez said. “If I’m not open, I know Pedro or Jordan will be.”
Through the opening weeks, Gulli, Grey, and Rodriguez have each tallied six points. Gulli’s three goals lead the team, but Ming has quietly become the engine of the attack, topping the squad in both shots and assists, according to Syracuse.com. Ming, a sophomore from Toronto, has created 14 chances in five games, drawing praise from McIntyre for his vision and work rate.
“He’s always moving, always looking for the next pass,” McIntyre said. “He’s the guy who makes us tick.”
Buster Honeywood, a senior from Liverpool, NY, delivered the winner against Binghamton on September 3, slotting home a rebound in front of a crowd of 2,100 at the Dome. “It’s special to score at home,” Honeywood said. “My family was up in Section 122, right above the tunnel.”
Rodriguez, Ming, and Honeywood have each delivered a game-winning goal this season, a sign that the Orange are not relying on a single star to carry the attack. This depth has helped Syracuse remain competitive even after setbacks, such as the 2-0 defeat at Boston College.
For fans in Syracuse and nearby towns like DeWitt and Salina, this offensive approach means every home game at the JMA Wireless Dome offers a chance to see multiple players step up. The Orange’s ability to spread the scoring load could prove crucial as conference play intensifies later this fall.
Attendance at the Dome has ticked up this season, with crowds averaging 2,050 through the first three home games, up from 1,700 last year, according to SU Athletics. “It’s a good night out,” said longtime season ticket holder Mike DeLuca, who drives in from Cicero. “You never know who’s going to score.”
Historic edge over Colgate continues
Colgate’s last win over Syracuse came back in 2011, when the Raiders edged the Orange 2-1 in Hamilton. Since then, Syracuse has dominated the series, going unbeaten in 11 straight meetings. The Orange hold a 35-29-11 advantage all-time, per Syracuse.com.
Last season, Syracuse secured a 3-0 victory over Colgate, highlighted by a Carlos Zambrano hat trick. Zambrano, now playing professionally in Spain, torched the Raiders’ back line with goals in the 12th, 44th, and 67th minutes. The previous year’s meeting in Hamilton was decided by a late Syracuse goal from then-freshman Grey, who volleyed home a corner in the 85th minute.
Colgate has not scored against the Orange since a 1-1 draw in 2018. In the last five meetings, Syracuse has outscored the Raiders 9-0. “It’s always a tough game,” said Colgate head coach Erik Ronning. “But we know what we’re up against.”
For residents in Hamilton and along Route 5, the annual matchup is a fixture on the fall sports calendar. The rivalry’s recent history has favored Syracuse, but Colgate’s defense, which leads the Patriot League in saves, could make for a competitive contest.
Colgate’s roster features several Central New York connections, including defender Owen McCarthy from Fayetteville-Manlius and midfielder Sam O’Connor from Cazenovia. “It’s fun to come back and play in the Dome,” McCarthy said. “I grew up watching games here.”
What this means for CNY soccer fans
The Orange’s balanced offense and strong series record against Colgate are shaping the narrative for college soccer in Central New York this September. With three players tied for the team lead in points and multiple game-winning goals spread across the roster, Syracuse offers fans a dynamic and unpredictable attack.
For students and families in Eastwood, Westcott, and North Syracuse, the team’s home games at the JMA Wireless Dome are a draw, especially as the leaves turn and SU football Saturdays fill the city with energy. The Orange’s ability to rebound from losses and share the scoring load could help them stay in contention as the season progresses.
Local youth soccer clubs have taken notice. The Syracuse Development Academy brought 60 players to the Dome for the Binghamton match, and the CNY Family Sports Centre in Baldwinsville has organized group nights for upcoming games. “It’s great for the kids to see college players up close,” said SDA coach Mike Paolini. “They see that teamwork matters.”
Area high school coaches are watching, too. “Syracuse is showing you don’t need one superstar,” said Nottingham coach Luis Martinez. “They move the ball, they trust each other, and that’s what we try to teach.”
Colgate’s challenge and defensive strength
Colgate enters the matchup looking to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to American. Ryan Schachter leads the Raiders with three points, while goalkeeper Gavin Vichengrad could make his second straight start after an impressive collegiate debut, according to Syracuse.com.
Vichengrad, a freshman from Rochester, made seven saves against American and has drawn praise from teammates for his composure. “He’s not afraid of the moment,” said senior defender Jack McNally. “He talks, he organizes, and he’s got quick hands.”
The Raiders’ defense has been active all season, leading the Patriot League in saves. Colgate averages 5.2 saves per game, with Vichengrad and senior keeper Ben Latham splitting time in net. The back line, anchored by McCarthy and sophomore center back Lucas Kim, has limited opponents to 1.1 goals per game, despite facing 42 shots in their last three matches.
While Colgate has struggled to score against Syracuse over the past few years, their defensive resilience could keep the game close. For soccer fans in Madison County and along the Route 12 corridor, the matchup is a chance to see if Colgate can break through against a historically tough opponent.
Schachter, a junior from New Jersey, has scored or assisted on all three of Colgate’s goals this season. The Raiders’ attack has sputtered, averaging just 0.6 goals per game, but Ronning believes a breakthrough is coming. “We’re creating chances,” he said. “We just need to finish.”
Colgate’s last goal against Syracuse came in 2018, when then-senior Ethan Kutler scored from 18 yards out. Since then, the Raiders have been shut out in five straight meetings. “It’s a mental hurdle,” McCarthy said. “But we’re ready for it.”
Looking ahead: conference play and local impact
As conference play approaches, Syracuse’s balanced offense will be tested by tougher competition. The Orange’s ability to generate goals from multiple players could be a key advantage as they face ACC rivals later this fall. For CNY residents, the team’s progress is a point of pride and a reason to gather at the JMA Wireless Dome or stream games from home.
The ACC is stacked again this year, with Wake Forest, Clemson, and Duke all ranked in the top 15 nationally. Syracuse opens conference play against Virginia Tech on September 22, then hosts Clemson on September 29. “Every game is a battle,” McIntyre said. “But I like our depth.”
With SU football and soccer both in full swing, September weekends in Syracuse and surrounding towns like Geddes and Solvay are packed with sports action. The Orange’s offensive trend is one to watch as the season unfolds.
Local businesses are feeling the impact. Varsity Pizza on Marshall Street has seen a 15% bump in sales on soccer game nights, according to owner Nick Falcone. “We get a lot of families and students before and after games,” Falcone said. “It’s good for the neighborhood.”
For high school players from Fayetteville-Manlius to West Genesee, the Orange’s style is a model. “They play fast, they play together,” said FM senior captain Owen Dwyer. “That’s what we want to do.”
Where to check for updates
For the latest on Syracuse Orange men’s soccer, including schedules and live stream links, visit the Syracuse.com sports section and the official Syracuse University Athletics website.
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Sources
- Syracuse.com, Syracuse Orange men’s soccer vs. Colgate preview
