Syracuse Stuns Harvard with Blazing Comeback and Overtime Winner to Keep Title Hopes Alive

A visiting coach once remarked that to beat Syracuse in the JMA Wireless Dome, you have to beat them twice — a nod to the psychological and environmental challenges that come with facing the Orange on their home turf.

For Harvard, the challenge was even steeper: they needed to beat Syracuse four times in one game to keep their season alive. They succeeded thrice — with a regular season win, a dominant first half, and a dramatic regulation-equalizer with just six seconds left — but Syracuse found a way to take it back.

Syracuse’s Resilience and Balanced Effort Lead to Dramatic Comeback and Overtime Victory

Syracuse showcased their hallmark resilience by scoring five goals in a blistering 1:39 stretch to erase Harvard’s lead. In overtime, despite Harvard’s momentum, Syracuse face-off specialist John Mullen secured possession, and Owen Hiltz, who had gone scoreless in regulation, delivered the game-winner. Hiltz’s cut through traffic and tough finish sealed the 13-12 victory in front of a raucous home crowd.

The Orange’s victory was fueled by a balanced team effort, led by junior midfielder Luke Rhoa’s four goals. Spallina and Hiltz contributed both goals and assists, while Deere, Thomson, and Leo also made an impact. Syracuse coach Gary Gait praised his team’s determination, emphasizing their belief in each other and refusal to give up, qualities that proved crucial in their comeback.

Mullen’s Face-off Dominance and Harvard’s Penalty Struggles Lead to Syracuse’s Victory

John Mullen was the game’s unsung hero, winning 24 of 28 face-offs and helping Syracuse dominate possession. The Orange also capitalized on Harvard’s penalties, scoring four extra-man goals — including three from a single non-releasable crosscheck. These moments proved pivotal in both sustaining and regaining momentum during the final stretch of the game.

Despite the loss, Harvard’s offense was impressively efficient, converting over 41% of their possessions. Jack Speidell, Teddy Malone, Logan Ip, and Sam King led the scoring, and goalie Graham Stevens made 11 saves. But a late-game collapse — triggered by face-off struggles and failed penalty kills — unraveled their hard-earned lead. With the heartbreaking defeat, Harvard’s season ends at 10-5, while Syracuse moves on to face Princeton in the next round.