Northwestern lacrosse sputters on offense, drops games to Syracuse and Stony Brook

After two dispiriting losses on its New York road trip, Northwestern lacrosse could be in trouble. Northwestern (2-4) scored just 8 goals combined in two games over the weekend and have now lost four straight games.

In its first game, against No. 5 Syracuse, Northwestern scored just 3 goals as Syracuse goalkeeper Asa Goldstock made 8 saves. Northwestern went down 4-0 at halftime and could not mount a comeback despite only allowing one goal in the second half. Christina Esposito’s two second half goals helped get Northwestern within two goals, but Syracuse’s defense was just too good, and the Wildcats missed on several good chances, including a free position shot and a three-on-two break.

Northwestern then traveled south to Hempstead, NY, only to get pasted 13-5 by No. 8 Stony Brook. The Seawolves opened up an 8-1 lead in the first 38 minutes of the game, as Northwestern’s defense completely collapsed. Just as Syracuse was able to jump on Northwestern early, Stony Brook scored four unanswered goals in the first 15 minutes. Stony Brooks got five goals from the Ohlmiller sisters, (3 from Kylie, 2 from Taryn) and eventually built its lead to 12-2, which proved completely insurmountable for Northwestern.

Northwestern’s offense has been able to keep up with teams in the past, but the Wildcats had 24 turnovers compared to Stony Brook’s 15, and Northwestern could not get any consistent rhythm on offense.

Northwestern lacrosse falls to 2-4 and have an extremely difficult schedule ahead. At least the Wildcats know what their problem is—the offense must pick up the pace if Northwestern wants to ensure a .500 record and an NCAA Tournament bid.

After a home matchup against Marquette, the Wildcats will travel to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina, a.k.a. the defending National Champions. Northwestern, despite its four losses, is still ranked No. 17 in the polls.