In a high-stakes matchup for a Final Four trip at Gillette Stadium, the Syracuse University men’s lacrosse team takes on the top-seeded Cornell lacrosse team in the NCAA Division I quarterfinals at Hofstra University on May 17, 2025. After defeating Harvard in overtime, Syracuse (12-5) takes on Cornell lacrosse (14-1), which thrashed UAlbany 15-6 in the opening round.
This article gives fans a thorough look at a crucial point in the 2025 NCAA tournament by analyzing the Syracuse vs. Cornell lacrosse match, highlighting important players, and previewing the contest.
Background: A Historic Rivalry Renewed
The Syracuse vs. Cornell lacrosse rivalry, spanning 108 meetings since 1920, is one of college lacrosse’s fiercest, with Syracuse leading 66-40-1, per cuse.com. Their 2025 regular-season clash, a thrilling 18-17 double-overtime win for Cornell lacrosse on April 12 at Long Island, marked the first neutral-site regular-season game in the series, per cuse.com.
According to NCAA.com, Syracuse, ranked No. 6, overcame an 8-2 halftime deficit to defeat Harvard 13-12 in overtime, helped by a game-winning goal by Owen Hiltz. According to usalacrosse.com, the top-seeded Cornell lacrosse team has nine All-Americans, including CJ Kirst, and a six-game winning streak.
According to Syracuse.com, Syracuse, led by coach Gary Gait in his fourth season, has advanced to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year thanks to a strong offense (11.7 goals per game) and John Mullen’s dominance in faceoffs (58-of-71 in recent games).
Cornell lacrosse, led by coach Connor Buczek, relies on Kirst’s NCAA-best 4.6 goals per game and a 19-of-27 faceoff edge in their earlier win over Richmond, per sportingnews.com.
Matchup Preview: Key Battles
The Syracuse vs. Cornell lacrosse quarterfinal, airing at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU, pits Syracuse’s high-octane attack against Cornell lacrosse’s disciplined defense. Syracuse’s Joey Spallina (44 goals, 37 assists) and Hiltz (first-team All-American) must navigate Cornell lacrosse’s stingy backline, anchored by Chris Davis and Walker Wallace, per usalacrosse.com.
Syracuse defender Billy Dwan III emphasized containing Cornell lacrosse’s Coulter Mackesy, a Tewaaraton finalist with 41 goals, per Syracuse.com. “We’ll use an array of tactics to limit his opportunities,” Gait said.
Faceoffs are critical, with Syracuse’s Mullen facing Cornell lacrosse’s Jack Cascadden, who won 16-of-23 against Richmond, per sportingnews.com. Syracuse’s 65.2% strength of schedule, fourth-toughest nationally, prepares them for this test, per cuse.com.
However, Cornell lacrosse’s depth, with Michael Long and Hugh Kelleher supporting Kirst, poses a threat, per CornellBigRed.com. Syracuse goalkeeper Jimmy McCool’s 10.2 saves per game will be tested by Cornell lacrosse’s 15.2 goals per game average, per insidelacrosse.com.
Tactical Insights and Predictions
Syracuse’s strategy hinges on Mullen’s faceoff dominance to fuel their transition game, where Spallina and Luke Rhoa (four goals vs. Harvard) thrive, per NCAA.com. Their man-up unit, which sparked the Harvard comeback, could exploit Cornell lacrosse’s 23rd-ranked man-down defense, per Syracuse.com.
Cornell lacrosse counters with a balanced attack, with Kirst’s 69 career goals and Kelleher’s playmaking, per usalacrosse.com. Sporting News predicts a close Cornell win, citing their 12-11 victory over Richmond, but Syracuse’s momentum makes them a live underdog, per sportingnews.com.
The game’s outcome may rest on ground balls—Syracuse’s 32.4 per game vs. Cornell lacrosse’s 34.1—and clearing efficiency, where Cornell’s 23-of-23 against Richmond stands out, per sportingnews.com. A potential upset could hinge on Syracuse’s ability to repeat their 2009 NCAA title game heroics, when Cody Jamieson’s overtime goal beat Cornell, per cuse.com.
Why This Matchup Matters
The Syracuse vs. Cornell lacrosse quarterfinal is a clash of tradition and ambition. A Syracuse win would mark their 28th Final Four appearance, while Cornell lacrosse seeks their first since 2022, per NCAA.com. For fans, the game revives a storied rivalry, with Syracuse’s comeback spirit facing Cornell lacrosse’s top-seeded dominance.
The winner advances to Foxborough, May 24-26, with a shot at dethroning two-time champion Notre Dame, per NCAA.com. This matchup, steeped in history and high stakes, captivates lacrosse enthusiasts nationwide. Read more
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