Syracuse Men's Lacrosse Upsets No. 1 Maryland

Senior Joey Spallina scores four goals to lead No. 2 Syracuse to 11-9 victory over top-ranked Terrapins

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The No. 2 Syracuse men's lacrosse team defeated the top-ranked Maryland Terrapins 11-9 on Friday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. Senior Joey Spallina led the way for the Orange with four goals, while the defense held strong with nine saves from goaltender Jimmy McCool.

Why it matters

This victory over the nation's top-ranked team is a significant early-season win for Syracuse, which had not defeated Maryland in 17 years. The win showcases the Orange's ability to compete with the elite programs in college lacrosse and builds momentum heading into a tough stretch of away games.

The details

After falling behind 2-1 early, Syracuse scored five unanswered goals spanning the first and second quarters to take a 7-4 lead at halftime. Maryland made runs to get back within one possession, but the Orange defense and timely goals from Spallina and others allowed Syracuse to hold on for the 11-9 victory. The Orange dominated the ground ball battle 36-22.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Syracuse last defeated Maryland 17 years ago.

The players

Joey Spallina

A senior attack who scored four goals to lead Syracuse to victory.

Jimmy McCool

The senior goaltender for Syracuse who made nine saves to anchor the Orange defense.

Gary Gait

The head coach of the Syracuse men's lacrosse team.

Chuck Kuczynski

A senior defender for the Syracuse men's lacrosse team.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day, I'm doing whatever I have to do to win the game. And if that's me sitting on the crease and shooting the ball, I'm all for it. Right, just whatever we can do to win that game.”

— Joey Spallina, Senior Attack (Spectrum Local News)

“They came to game day today prepared, ready to execute. [This] Maryland team is known for out-executing pretty much everybody. I think we won that battle today.”

— Gary Gait, Head Coach (Spectrum Local News)

“Get on them early. Show that we're not going to give them any space, press them, make them really beat us by running around. And I think we brought that today.”

— Chuck Kuczynski, Senior Defender (Spectrum Local News)

What’s next

The Orange will hit the road for the first time this season next Saturday when they visit Harvard. It will be the first of six consecutive away games before returning to the dome on Mar. 22 against Georgetown.

The takeaway

This victory over the nation's top-ranked team demonstrates Syracuse's ability to compete with the elite programs in college lacrosse. The Orange's dominant performance on the ground balls and stifling defense were key factors in their first win over Maryland in 17 years, building momentum for a challenging road schedule ahead.