Bermudian midfielder Sachiel Ming and his Syracuse University men's soccer teammates secured a vital 2-0 victory over California, marking their first win in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) this season. The second-half surge improved the Orange’s overall record to 4-4-2 (1-2-0).
The first half of the match was a tense, defensive battle, with both goalkeepers proving impassable and each recording three saves. Syracuse had a significant chance to break the deadlock in the 34th minute from a free-kick inside the box, but a solid wall of California defenders successfully blocked the powerful shot taken by Nathan Scott, sending the teams into the break scoreless.
Syracuse ramped up the pressure immediately after the restart, though an early free-kick opportunity in the 48th minute failed to find the net.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 65th minute. A throw-in toward the goal box was smartly touched by Ernest Mensah Jr., setting up Garrett Holman to slot the ball past the Bears' goalkeeper and give Syracuse the crucial 1-0 lead.
Momentum quickly swung in favor of Syracuse. Just five minutes later, in the 70th minute, Gavin Wigg delivered another dangerous throw-in toward the net. This time, Chimere Omeze rose highest, heading the ball off the post and straight down into the net to double the lead.
The late goals secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory, providing Syracuse with a significant boost and getting their ACC campaign successfully underway.
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