QUEENS, N.Y.  – The SU men’s soccer team (12-5-0, 5-3-0 BIG EAST) concluded its winningest regular season since 1988 with a 1-0 setback at No. 18 St. John’s (10-3-4, 4-3-1) on Friday, Oct. 26 at Belson Stadium. Syracuse kept the Red Storm scoreless for the majority of the match, until St. John’s registered the game-winner in the 78th minute. 
 

“Tonight was a very good college match,” said SU head coach Ian McIntyre. “It was a tough environment against a quality team. Overall, I am proud of the commitment and effort of our guys, but credit St. John’s for scoring the goal.”

 

St. John’s outshot the Orange, 6-0, in the opening frame. However, rookie goalkeeper Alex Bono (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) made two saves, including a charging deflection that denied Red Storm forward Jelani Williams in the 39th minute to keep the match even.

 

SU controlled the tempo in the second half, recording six out of the first seven shots after the break. The Orange also attempted three corner kicks in the frame, but Syracuse was unable to capitalize.

 

St. John’s was able to break through when Brendan Savino pushed one by Bono at the 77:58 mark, breaking the scoreless tie.  

 

Bono made two saves, while Red Storm goalie Rafael Diaz registered three saves.

 

Syracuse continues its 2012 campaign when it hosts its first postseason game in program history on Saturday, Nov. 3. The Orange will face the No. 3 seed in the BIG EAST’s Blue Division at the SU Soccer Stadium in the BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinal.

 

Match Notes: The loss snaps a three-game winning streak for the Orange … Savino’s goal broke a 368:07 shutout streak for the SU defense.