It’s the first full weekend back on campus for most students and there’s plenty of games going on. Football and men’s soccer stay in Syracuse while women’s soccer and volleyball head out on the road for contests. Here’s what to look out for in this weekend of SU sports:

Men’s Soccer

 

Opponents: UC Riverside and Rutgers
Where: SU Soccer Stadium
When: Friday, 2 p.m. and Sunday, 7 p.m.

Chris Nanco is aggressive on the pitch. Head coach Ian McIntyre sees it, and doesn’t take exception to it. The forward leads his team with 10 shots through two games — seven of which were on target — but hasn’t come away with any goals. It’s frustrating for Nanco that he’s not coming away with more goals off his chances.

Nanco gets a chance to take more shots — and possibly score more goals — this weekend when the Orange (1-1) host UC Riverside (1-1) for the home-opener.

More: Syracuse offense is leaning on Chris Nanco’s aggressive play

Football

 

Opponent: Rhode Island
Where: Carrier Dome
When: Friday, 7 p.m.

When the Rams come to the Carrier Dome to kickoff the 2015 season, it will face a Syracuse team that, by the numbers, has lost a lot. (But the team gets back defensive end Ron Thompson for this game.)

Yet last year the 1-11 Rams lost quite a bit itself. Get to know the Rhode Island team with graphics, and read about the Rams’ team member who won’t make the trip, a 15-year-old with a spinal defect.

Donnie Simmons, a Syracuse defensive lineman, paved the way for a Rhode Island offensive lineman and former high school teammate.

This opening game could set the tone for the Orange’s season. We predicted the outcomes of the game, and the season. (You can weigh in, too.)

You can read all the coverage of Syracuse-Rhode Island here.

More: SU football opponent preview: Rhode Island

Women’s soccer

Opponents: Connecticut and Buffalo
Where: Storrs, Connecticut and Buffalo, New York
When: Thursday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon

Alexis Koval has already more than doubled her point total from last season, despite playing in 15 fewer games. She’s started all four of the Orange’s game this season, collecting seven points, despite Syracuse being shut out in two of its games.

Koval didn’t score at all in a 1-0 loss to No. 18 St. John’s on Aug. 28, but she’ll get another chance to prove herself against a ranked opponent when Syracuse (2-2) visits No. 25 Connecticut (3-0) on Thursday. The team also plays Buffalo (2-2) Sunday.

More: Alexis Koval excels early for Syracuse in expanded role

Volleyball

Opponents: Auburn and Georgia
Where: Auburn, Alabama and Athens, Georgia
When: Friday, 8 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m.

The graduation of former middle blocker Lindsay McCabe left a hole, but it’s been filled by freshman Santita Ebangwese. She recorded 12 blocks and 12 kills last weekend.

Despite her success, she’s still handling nerves and settling into her role. She hopes to help Syracuse (3-0) continue its success on a southern road trip to Auburn (4-0) and Georgia (3-0).

More: Santita Ebangwese settling into middle blocker position in 1st season

Field Hockey

Opponents: Massachusetts
Where: J.S. Coyne Stadium
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.

The Syracuse field hockey team has used its 1-0 defeat in the 2014 National Championship game as fuel so far this season. The team went to California on a three-game, season-opening road trip, defeating another national powerhouse in Stanford.

The Orange return to Coyne to play its home-opener on Sunday at J.S. Coyne, located close to the Tennity Ice Pavilion on South Campus. The high-powered Orange offense, which has outshot opponents by a wide margin this season, looks to continue firing in search of a win.

Published on September 3, 2015 at 4:42 pm

Contact Sam: sjfortie@syr.edu | @Sam4TR