Ian McIntyre started the remodeling project in 2010. He wanted to morph Syracuse into an up-tempo and exciting team that the home fans “could cheer for.”

Two years later, the head coach finally followed through on that promise as his team earned a lopsided 6-0 win against Colgate (1-2-1) Monday night. The Orange (3-1) scored its greatest number of goals in a single game since Oct. 26, 1994, in an electric atmosphere at Syracuse University Soccer Stadium created by each big play and highlight-reel goal.

“That’s the type of game we’re capable of playing” McIntyre said. “And that’s the type of game our fans deserve.”

The SU fans likely couldn’t look away. If they did, they would miss a perfectly placed through ball or cross into the box. So with each ensuing SU possession, they rose to their feet and watched the team run circles around Colgate — an NCAA tournament team last season.

Each attacker moved into space without possession, and more often than not, each was hit with a pass that placed him in a position to score.

On Monday, Tony Asante drove the ball down the right sideline and hit Ted Cribley with an accurate cross for one goal. For another goal, Cribley put a ball in space for Asante, who ran underneath it, trapped it and chipped it over Colgate goalkeeper Grant Reed for the score.

Those big plays weren’t as common before McIntyre took over. In 2010, he inherited a sluggish roster that attacked defenses by playing balls to their forwards and waiting. They’d resume their attack when trailing players made runs.

Senior forward Lars Muller, who once played under the former system that stressed that “wait-and-run” scheme, appreciated it just the same.

“It’s nice to not have to wait around as a forward,” said Muller, who scored in the first half when Cribley led him into the box with a precise pass. “We got to know each other in the preseason and we learned what type of runs we want and where we want the ball. We got technically better, especially in the passing game.”

There was no wait in Syracuse against Colgate.

The offense pushed the ball up field. And in this system, players have the freedom to beat defenders with speed or to find their teammates who separate from defenders in space.

Cribley compared this team’s run-first style to a fast-break offense.

“It feels great to enjoy playing again,” Cribley said. “It’s definitely pleasing, especially from the coaching staff, that they’re able to get the best out of us.”

It showed on Monday night.

Fans were thrilled by the goals, but they also cheered loudly for the near-misses, like a cross from Vale in the 29th minute that found Muller’s head but skipped over the cross bar.

The home crowd bemoaned another near-miss by Asante at the end of the first half that landed on top of the goal.

But either way, they appreciated the execution. Syracuse was a three-win team last season, but with an offense capable of scoring in bulk, McIntrye knows this team is easy to cheer for.

“The home crowd was excellent tonight,” he said. “I think we’re finally playing the brand of soccer that gets fans on their feet, and that’s exciting for everyone involved.”

Published on September 4, 2012 at 1:26 am

Contact Nick: nctoney@syr.edu | @nicktoneytweets