Army's D was better, their athletes in the middle of the field were better, and they play smarter. Their entire team has a clear idea of what they are doing and they execute. I am impressed with them. They are also very aggressive on both sides of the field. Their ability to get switches and continuously and aggressively target the shortstick they want is high IQ lacrosse. At the same time they also aren't afraid to go at poles forcing uncomfortable slide patterns, specifically from the shortsticks.
Army's hype is going to continue to grow, for good reason. Another game where Syracuse will have some Instagram highlights but will lose the game. It's almost like they think a behind the back goal is worth more points.
They are going to have to win some games they aren't expected to. Unc isn't looking very good so that win won't be worth much. ND losing to Georgetown is a big loss for the Acc teams and their RPI. That Cornell game is going to be massive for them.
I didn't see the entire game but Joey Spallina got completely shut down from what I did see. His lack of footspeed doesn't work against top level defensemen. That number 1 tag is a lot to live up to and he's a good player but when his grad class is done he won't be anywhere near that level. Syracuse invested a lot of resources in that family. You have to start wondering if it was worth it.
