First-half goals by senior Mike Worden and sophomore Alassane Kane lifted the American University men's soccer team over BIG EAST opponent Syracuse, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at Reeves Field. Freshman Eli Dennis picked up assists on both goals for the Eagles.

American (3-2) got on the scoreboard quickly with Worden's strike in the seventh minute of action, his first goal of the season. The play was setup by tremendous interior passing from Kane to Dennis, who found a streaking Worden with only Syracuse goalkeeper Jeremy Vuolu in front of him. Worden did the rest, sliding a shot past Vuolu to give the Eagles a quick 1-0 lead.

AU kept up its aggressive play in the early going, as in the 17th minute, Kane benefited from another superb interior pass from Dennis. Off a Jamie Davin corner kick, Dennis was able to win the ball in the air and flick it over to Kane, who knocked home his team-leading fourth goal of the season.

Midway through the first half, the Eagles had a golden opportunity to make the score 3-0 when Dennis missed a header just wide right off a Davin free kick. Later in the stanza, freshman Patrick Mehlert fired a shot on frame, although Vuolu tipped it just over the crossbar.

With American leading 2-0 heading into the second half, Syracuse (1-4) quickly cut the deficit in half in the opening minute of play. With the Orange on the attack, AU defender Seth Goldman was flagged for a penalty in the goalbox, resulting in a penalty kick. Syracuse's Nick Roydhouse stepped up the line and buried a high shot into the back of the net to make the score 2-1.

American found another offensive chance in the 56th minute when Worden nearly scored his second goal of the match. The play was setup off another Davin corner kick, which was placed right on net, although Worden's attempt was blocked just wide right.

Trailing 2-1, the Orange had their best game-tying opportunity in the 63rd minute on a Roydhouse shot in the open field. AU goalkeeper Matt Makowski, however, made a great diving save to preserve the one-goal advantage. Over the final 25-plus minutes, the Eagles were able to hang on and earn the 2-1 victory over Syracuse.

"I thought the first 30 minutes arguably was as good of soccer as we've played this season," Head Coach Todd West commented. "We created two very good goals, and then whether it was youth or Syracuse not giving in, I think we took our foot off the pedal a little bit. But overall, I was pleased with our play, and it is always good to get a win against a quality opponent."   

Kane led the AU offensive attack with a goal and an assist, which runs his team-leading point total to nine (four goals, one assist) through five matches. Dennis picked up assists on each score, as the freshman now has three for the season. Davin also has three helpers on the season to share the team-lead with Dennis.

Makowski was solid in net for the Eagles, registering five saves to pick up the victory.

In the match, American held a 16-11 advantage in shots, including an 8-6 margin in shots on goal. The Eagles had six corner kicks compared to three for the Orange.

The Eagles will return to action this Tuesday, September 21 when they visit defending national champion and current No. 2 Virginia. Match time from Charlottesville, Va., is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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