Syracuse men’s lacrosse senior goalie Jay Pfeifer summed up Syracuse’s defense on Saturday night in one word: fabulous.

Syracuse used an overwhelming defense to beat Army, 9-4, at the Carrier Dome before 5,685. Preseason talk about the Orange centered on how well the defense would make up for a loss in offense. In its season opener, the defense shined, allowing the fewest goals in three years.

‘We knew what we were doing out there,’ Pfeifer said. ‘We knew their personnel and everybody was just clicking.’

Pfeifer led the defensive effort, making 12 saves, including six in the final period. Pfeifer also helped Syracuse clear effectively, launching several long outlet passes.

‘The whole defensive unit played well,’ said junior attack Brett Bucktooth. ‘Jay did a great job in goal. He made some key saves.’

Syracuse head coach John Desko said Pfeifer had a strong week of practice and he expected the game to be low scoring since it was the first of the year.

Syracuse used a full-field pressure defense along with an occasional zone to contain the Black Knights (0-1). In the beginning of the game, Pfeifer said, Syracuse packed in its defense and allowed Army to take more outside shots. But as the game progressed, the Orange attacked more and held Army scoreless for the final 22:11.

‘The defense is supposed to be our strength,’ Desko said. ‘Jay’s supposed to be our strength and it was tonight.’

Syracuse sophomore Danny Brennan wowed Orange fans during last season’s national championship run with his face-off prowess.

He fared even better on Saturday.

Brennan won 14 of 17 draws, including the first five of the game and all seven in the third period.

‘We weren’t sure with the new rule, how Danny would do against these guys,’ Desko said. ‘We wanted to start with him. With the success he had, we just weren’t going to put the other guys in unless he had a bad run.’

Brennan’s outstanding game gave SU’s offense repeated offensive possessions. With Brennan winning every face-off in the third period, Syracuse maintained possession and outscored Army, 4-2, to take control.

‘I can’t even remember him losing one,’ Pfeifer said. ‘He was awesome.’

Mike Leveille might have been the most notable freshman on the field for SU on Saturday night, but he wasn’t the only one.

Midfielders Greg Niewieroski and Brendan Loftus and defender Kyle Guadagnolo also had strong debuts.

Leveille scored twice for Syracuse on four shots and scooped three groundballs. Desko said Leveille had a strong game in transition.

‘I did well,’ Leveille said. ‘I felt good out there. I felt comfortable.’

Said attack linemate Brian Crockett: ‘He played great. Mike’s a great player.’

Guadagnolo started on defense for Syracuse and guarded Army star attackman Jim Wagner. Guadagnolo limited Wagner to two goals on eight shots. Loftus and Niewieroski combined for three shots on goal.

‘Greg did a nice job,’ Desko said. ‘Brendan got some good time. Kyle did a nice job, too.’

Syracuse scored one extra man goal in three chances. Army used a different goalie in man-down situations … Syracuse men’s basketball head coach Jim Boeheim watched the season opener from the press box just hours after collecting his 700th career win against Providence … A devout Army fan tried valiantly to lead a series of chants for the Black Knights. She carried two black and yellow pompoms and wore a yellow shirt that read ‘Go Army go.’ Most of her chants echoed the shirt’s wording.

Published on February 26, 2005 at 12:00 pm