Alex Love torched Syracuse all night.

Love’s goal with 2:12 remaining – his sixth of the night – propelled Hobart (6-6, 2-3 Eastern Collegiate Athletic) to a stunning 13-12 come-from-behind win over Syracuse (9-3, 3-1 Big East) at the Carrier Dome Tuesday night in front of 2,362 fans. Cal Paduda dominated at the faceoff X for the Orange and Dylan Donahue paced SU with three goals, but in the end Love was too much for Syracuse to handle.

The Statesmen trailed 12-10 with less than eight minutes to go and their chances at an upset were slim. But a goal by Derek Akner cut the deficit to one with 7:17 to go, and Hobart was within striking distance.

Gryphin Kelly, who struggled all night at the faceoff X against Cal Paduda, controlled possession for Hobart and Cam Stone made the score 12-11. Another goal by Akner knotted the score at 12, and Love’s fireworks came shortly thereafter.

He scored with 2:13 remaining, and just as he had all night, burned the Syracuse defense.

The shot came from straight on, about 10 yards out, and it capped the comeback for Hobart. Love’s six goals featured multiple sidearm shots, a shot he’s crafted for years that gives opposing teams fits.

Syracuse was the latest victim. Brian Megill contained Love in stretches, but he was simply too dynamic. He scored from all over the field and showed why he ‘s one of the most prolific scorers in the nation.

Steve Ianzito sprinted downfield for the Orange in the game’s final seconds. Syracuse had one last chance to tie the game up, but Peter Zonino, who was effective in goal all night for Hobart, saved the shot.

Ianzito buried his face in the ground and Syracuse’s four-game winning streak came to a screeching halt.

Donahue, Paduda and Derek Maltz helped SU get out to a lead, but the Statesmen came back in dramatic fashion.

At the end of the game, Love sprinted over to his teammates after the game and chest-bumped teammate Ryan Munnelly. He hoisted the Kraus-Simmons trophy and saluted the Hobart fans.

The comeback was complete. Love finally beat Syracuse for the first time in three tries.

Published on April 16, 2013 at 9:43 pm

Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass