When Syracuse lost to UConn in the national championship last season, the team felt crushed. SU’s offense averaged 3.25 goals a game and 17.7 shots per game in 2014 had been shut out by a Huskies defense that only allowed the Orange to shoot seven times.

The quick, forward-pushing Syracuse offense couldn’t overcome UConn’s “half-court press” defense that swarmed the defensive zone with bodies and refused speedy SU forwards opportunities to cut towards the cage.

Fast forward to Syracuse’s home-opener this past Sunday and things have changed drastically.

After the game, head coach Ange Bradley was pleased with her team’s ability to adapt to Massachusetts’ half-court press in the 4-0 win. The Minutewomen deployed the same defense UConn used to stop the Orange, but after an offseason of preparing for such, SU was ready.

“(The difference) was our ability to maintain possession and ability to play a full game of hockey which we have not been able to do in the past,” Bradley said after the game. “… That’s something we’ve made a focus to learn and understand against that type of defense to find a way to win.”

Syracuse (4-0) is off to a hot start in large part to its newfound versatile offense. The difference this season is knowing when to push forward and when to play more conservatively, working the ball around the outside and attacking weaknesses with purpose.

Other teams know the Orange is built to run and choose to pack their defensive zones by gradually sinking back midfielders and even forwards, making it difficult for SU to thrive in open spaces. It’s a crowded defense, but against an aggressive offensive team like Syracuse, it works.

“If we can play two systems very well like we have so far this year, we’re going to be dangerous,” forward Emma Russell said.

SU’s default offensive attack is to utilize its speed, push forward and create opportunities through aggressive passing, but this year, teams are prepared.

In a three-game swing to open the season in California, teams modeled their defensive approaches after UConn’s. Syracuse used its training camp and offseason to become used to playing quick hockey through 2-on-1 and 3-on-2 drills while limiting space to simulate a compressed defense.

Opponents pack the defensive zone and rob Syracuse of its speed, shifting the focus from quick movement up the field to cutting more in smaller spaces. Instead of constant movement, the team has been forced to make stop-and-go play a regular part of its offense.

“We’ve changed the whole structure of how we’re playing,” said midfield Alyssa Manley. “We’re focused on playing, passing and cutting in small spaces with large numbers of people.”

Syracuse doesn’t know exactly what defense it will see from opponents from week to week but by diversifying its offensive attack and focusing on developing a plan for the “drop-back half-court press,” the team feels more comfortable either way.

“It’s worked before so other smart teams will try to do it to us,” Russell said. “It’s something that, to be a very good team, we need to master and we’re on our way.”

Published on September 8, 2015 at 10:44 pm

Contact Liam: lpsull01@syr.edu