The Orange's national title drought continues after dropping a Final Four contest against Notre Dame.
The Syracuse men's lacrosse team couldn't respond to Notre Dame's fourth quarter surge and lost 15-7 against the Fighting Irish in the national semifinals on Saturday in Charlottesville, Va.
With the loss, the Orange's title game drought continues: The last appearance was the 2013 season. It's the second consecutive year in which Syracuse has seen its season end in the semifinals, and the Orange haven't won a title since 2009, with the 16-year title drought serving as the longest for the historically good program.
Here's everything you need to know about the loss and about what happens next for Syracuse men's lacrosse.
Game summary
Norte Dame's Brock Behrman scored the first goal of the game to give the Fighting Irish a 1-0 with a 11:04 on the clock. The Fighting Irish never trailed after that point.
Notre Dame got up 4-0 before Syracuse was able to find the scoreboard, but the Orange got within one at 4-3.
At halftime, North Dame led 7-4, with Max Busenkell scoring two of the seven goals.
Syracuse was able to cut the lead with under two minutes to play in the third quarter after Payton Anderson scored to make it 9-7. Anderson's goal would be the final one tallied for the Orange this season.
Notre Dame finished the game with six goals in the fourth quarter, with two apiece netted by Luke Miller and Josh Yago.
End of Joey Spallina's career
Syracuse's all-time career points scorer Joey Spallina was held without a goal in his final game for the Orange.
Spallina, who wore the legendary No. 22 during his career, finishes as one of the most decorated players in program history. The Long island native was the No. 1 recruit in the country before signing with Syracuse five years ago. Spallina wore the No. 22, the same number wore by All-Americans, including the Powell Brothers, and his own coach Gary Gait.
Spallina will now wait May 28 to find out if he wins the Tewaarton Award. The Tewaarton Award is given to the best player in the country. Spallina was named an All-American himself earlier this week. He was also named the Most Outstanding Attack.
Looking ahead to Syracuse lacrosse in 2027
The Orange have already been active in this year's transfer portal. Syracuse signed Bryant junior midfielder Zac Amend and Lafayette sophomore Cooper Pasko. Syracuse will lose Spallina, along with senior goalie Jimmy McCool, senior Finn Thomson and senior Michael Leo.
What's next for Notre Dame?
The Fighting Irish will try and win a third national championship in the past four seasons as they take on Princeton in the national championship game Monday. The top-seeded Tigers defeated Duke 14-7 in the other semifinal matchup. Princeton is looking to win the national championship for the first time since 2001. Faceoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.
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