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The Daily OrangeMLAX | Behind the scenes: SU has a 7-game win streak with the help of 3 unheralded players
By Tyler Dunne, Andy McCullough and Kyle Austin
Posted: 4/10/08, 10:50 PM EST Section: Sports
John Carrozza
Senior midfielder
John Carrozza doesn't stuff the stat sheet, but he's often the quiet catalyst to Syracuse's high-powered offense.
At the beginning of the second quarter Tuesday, Cornell slashed into Orange territory, only trailing 5-3 when SU's defense swarmed the Big Red immediately. SU's defensive midfielders, led by the senior Carrozza, extended outward, allowing only a yard or two of breathing room, flailing their sticks. The Big Red was forced to backpedal and make multiple off-balance passes from 30 yards away, before finally turning it over. On the ensuing Orange possession, Mike Leveille scored, and Syracuse had a three-goal cushion.
Defensive plays like that aren't tangible and go unnoticed by most. But like a center in basketball affecting (if not blocking) a shot, such subtle pestering has been a big reason for Syracuse's defensive turnaround. Carrozza, who has seen his minutes increase as the season progresses, is often at the core of the Orange's defensive midfield lineup.
"John's played well within the system," SU head coach John Desko said. "He's very athletic, and he's a strong kid, so he matches up well on an individual basis."
-Tyler Dunne, asst. copy editor
Matt Abbott
Junior midfielder
The only thing preventing Matt Abbott from getting more time on the first offensive midfield line is, well, Matt Abbott.
See, the junior midfielder starts on that first unit - the team's "blue" line - with seniors Steven Brooks and Brendan Loftus. But Syracuse still needs him in transition on defense. And on the wing for faceoffs. And on the man-down unit.
"We ask so much of him, he's not always able go on the blue midfield," said Orange head coach John Desko. "Sometimes he needs a blow on the sidelines."
That rest has his kept his scoring down to only five goals and six assists from the wiry 6-foot-2, 177-pound middie. Still, Abbott finds his way onto the stat sheet.
Senior midfielder
John Carrozza doesn't stuff the stat sheet, but he's often the quiet catalyst to Syracuse's high-powered offense.
At the beginning of the second quarter Tuesday, Cornell slashed into Orange territory, only trailing 5-3 when SU's defense swarmed the Big Red immediately. SU's defensive midfielders, led by the senior Carrozza, extended outward, allowing only a yard or two of breathing room, flailing their sticks. The Big Red was forced to backpedal and make multiple off-balance passes from 30 yards away, before finally turning it over. On the ensuing Orange possession, Mike Leveille scored, and Syracuse had a three-goal cushion.
Defensive plays like that aren't tangible and go unnoticed by most. But like a center in basketball affecting (if not blocking) a shot, such subtle pestering has been a big reason for Syracuse's defensive turnaround. Carrozza, who has seen his minutes increase as the season progresses, is often at the core of the Orange's defensive midfield lineup.
"John's played well within the system," SU head coach John Desko said. "He's very athletic, and he's a strong kid, so he matches up well on an individual basis."
-Tyler Dunne, asst. copy editor
Matt Abbott
Junior midfielder
The only thing preventing Matt Abbott from getting more time on the first offensive midfield line is, well, Matt Abbott.
See, the junior midfielder starts on that first unit - the team's "blue" line - with seniors Steven Brooks and Brendan Loftus. But Syracuse still needs him in transition on defense. And on the wing for faceoffs. And on the man-down unit.
"We ask so much of him, he's not always able go on the blue midfield," said Orange head coach John Desko. "Sometimes he needs a blow on the sidelines."
That rest has his kept his scoring down to only five goals and six assists from the wiry 6-foot-2, 177-pound middie. Still, Abbott finds his way onto the stat sheet.
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