When Tyler Hilliard heard the coaches call his name, he hopped up, ran down the sideline and put on his jersey.

Hilliard had only played 16 minutes on the season prior to Wednesday night’s game. That soon changed.

Ryan Tessler got the worst of a collision with a Rutgers forward in the 18th minute, and Hilliard stepped in, logging 74 minutes to help the Orange (9-3, 2-1) to a 2-1 overtime win over the Scarlet Knights (5-4, 1-2) at SU Soccer Stadium.

“It was really wild,” Hilliard said. “It was the first opportunity I’ve had to play. My teammates trusted me and backed me up. We got the win, so I’m happy.”

Hilliard was third on the Orange’s depth chart just a few days ago. When Skylar Thomas suffered a season-ending injury, it was Ryan Tessler’s turn to step up. Tessler’s collision paved the way for Hilliard to step in and play an integral role.

Rutgers targeted Hilliard and the redshirt freshman was forced to respond.

Early in the second half, a Rutgers striker sent a high-arching ball into the box. Hilliard slid in and booted the ball away, preventing Rutgers from tying up the game.

Head coach Ian McIntyre was pleased with Hilliard’s performance and said he played a critical part in the win.

“Tyler came in and I don’t think he put a foot wrong,” McIntyre said. “He was very good tonight.”

McIntyre said Hilliard had been frustrated at his lack of playing time throughout the season. He talked to Hilliard on Tuesday and told him Tessler would be getting the start. Hilliard was disappointed at the time, but he ended up playing nearly the whole game on Wednesday night.

“It’s a funny old game that way,” McIntyre said. “I don’t think he’s a third-string player. I think he’s a quality soccer player that has been frustrated that he hasn’t had an opportunity. Tonight he had that opportunity and he was outstanding.”

After surrendering a game-tying goal in the 76th minute, Hilliard and the defense held the Scarlet Knights scoreless the rest of the way.

Tessler said he could have come back into the game if necessary, but the trainers recommended he stay on the bench for precautionary reasons. When the coaches determined Tessler was a no-go, Hilliard got his opportunity.

In the span of one minute, he went from sitting on the bench to frantically scrambling to cut off Rutgers players from gaining possession.

“It’s a rush,” Hilliard said. “You have to get into the game immediately. You have no time to sit back and wait. You have to get right in there and do your thing.”

Hilliard said Thomas’ advice helped him excel despite the substantial increase in minutes.

“Skylar’s one of the best defenders I’ve ever played with,” Hilliard said. “I get to learn a lot from him and practice with him every day. He really makes me a better player.”

Though he was hobbling around on crutches and wearing a jacket and sweats, Thomas supported Hilliard and the team throughout the contest.

“I know Tyler’s been working hard in practice and he really deserved a chance to play,” Thomas said. “Finally he got that chance and he proved himself. He played well.”

Hilliard was forced to respond early and often. Rutgers took notice of the change and attacked Hilliard play after play in the first half. Yet, play after play, Hilliard thwarted off Rutgers’ attempts with poise.

Tessler, who said he should be ready to go Saturday against Louisville, said Hilliard responded and played well for Syracuse.

“He did great,” Tessler said. “Coming off the bench 20 minutes into the game, you never think you’re going to get in, especially for a defender. He did really well playing 70 minutes.”

Published on October 4, 2012 at 1:14 am

Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass