Syracuse midfielder Lecky uses speed to advantage, scores 2 goals in win over Notre Dame
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — JoJo Marasco knew Notre Dame’s defense couldn’t cover Hakeem Lecky.
Lecky was way too fast.
“In the first quarter he was just kind of dodging just to dodge,” Marasco said, “and then we spoke to him and a couple other guys and told him, ‘These guys can’t cover you with your speed.’”
They were right. Lecky scored two goals off his speed, helping No. 7 Syracuse (11-3, 5-1 Big East) to a statement 10-4 win over No. 1 Notre Dame (10-3, 4-2) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Saturday night.
“He really went hard to the net, and he’s finally seeing the field a lot better offensively,” Marasco said. “He’s taking some great shots.”
His first goal ended a 20-minute scoring drought to start the game for the Orange. Lecky blew by Matthew Collins, maximizing the quickness Marasco wanted him to use. He scored unassisted from 10 yards out, tying the score at one.
Lecky added another goal with three minutes left in Syracuse’s dominant fourth quarter. He feasted on Notre Dame’s defense all night long, scoring a season-high two goals.
“Having Lecky hit two big goals like that was huge for us,” Syracuse head coach John Desko said.
Fresh off a strong performance against Georgetown when his first-half goal helped lead Syracuse to a win, Lecky’s play has improved considerably of late.
Early in the season the problems were obvious. Lecky dodged too frequently and missed contested shots from mainly the right side.
But the past two games those problems have disappeared.
“I think it’s all coming together for him,” Marasco. “He’s playing relaxed out there.”
Lecky, Ryan Barber and Henry Schoonmaker all shined on Syracuse’s second unit Saturday night.
Marasco, Scott Loy and Luke Cometti consistently produce on the first line, and Marasco says that other teams don’t stand much of a chance when the second line produces.
Said Marasco: “That second line’s coming together. When they produce I don’t really see a team beating us this year.”
Published on April 28, 2013 at 11:50 am
Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass
