While No. 1 Maryland men’s lacrosse is historically a defensive powerhouse, the Terps haven’t often been known for overwhelming offensive units.
But this year’s attacking group appears capable of breaking that standard just one game into the 2026 season. Despite a slow opening quarter, the Terps poured it on Loyola Maryland on Saturday in a dominant 19-10 win, logging their highest scoring output since the 2022 season.
An eight-goal third quarter — their most in a single period over the past four years
— certainly helped. Maryland won all nine faceoffs in that quarter to help Leo Johnson and Chris Lyons showcase their offensive prowess. The duo combined for nine goals on 14 shots in the game.
However, the Terps will need to stack a full 60 minutes if they hope to keep pace with No. 2 Syracuse’s electric attack. In a battle between the nation’s top teams, goals will be plentiful on Friday. Maryland and Syracuse totaled 39 goals last weekend against weaker competition.
Friday’s contest will likely be the toughest test for both squads during the regular season. The game will be played indoors at the JMA Wireless Dome and start at 6 p.m. on ACC Network.
No. 2 Syracuse Orange (2-0, 0-0 ACC)
2025 record: 13-6, 2-2 ACC
Under head coach Gary Gait, Syracuse has quickly returned to national prominence after six years without an NCAA Tournament win. The Orange have reached the quarterfinals and semifinals the past two seasons, respectively, easily eclipsing the double-digit win mark.
After finishing just two wins shy of a national title for the first time since 2013, Syracuse seems poised to make another deep postseason run this year. It easily handled No. 20 Boston University and Saint Joseph’s to start the 2026 campaign.
But Maryland has been the Orange’s kryptonite during John Tillman’s tenure. The Terps have won the previous eight meetings, including last season’s sweep. Maryland ended Syracuse’s 2025 run with a 14-8 win in the national semifinals, never letting the Orange put up much of a fight.
Players to know
Joey Spallina, senior attacker, No. 22 — The top-ranked recruit in the class of 2022 hasn’t disappointed in the slightest bit. After a strong freshman campaign, Spallina has continued to terrorize defenses. He has produced an astonishing 106 assists and 72 goals to fuel his two-time All-American status.
Spallina hopes to follow in the footsteps of Pat Kavanagh and CJ Kirst in his quest to secure the Tewaraaton Award this season — and he’s on track to do just that. Spallina has seven goals and seven assists this season, including a nine-point performance in the last game.
John Mullen, junior faceoff specialist, No. 27 — Mullen has aided one of the country’s most potent offenses with extra possessions. After finishing sixth in the nation in faceoff percentage last season at 63%, Mullen has remained dominant at the X in 2026. He has lost just 11 of his 35 faceoff battles this season, pairing that with a goal, an assist and 11 ground balls.
Jimmy McCool, senior goalkeeper, No. 39 — While it’s only a small sample size, McCool is on pace to post career-highs in his final season. Despite struggling at points in his first year as the starter — he allowed 10.5 goals per game and finished with a 53.5% save percentage in 2025 — McCool has been rock solid between the pipes this season. He has conceded just eight goals and managed 22 saves for the country’s third-highest save percentage (73.3%).
Strength
Scoring depth. It’s hard to pinpoint a clear second offensive weapon behind Spallina, but the Orange don’t lack options. Michael Leo finished with the third-most goals on the team last season at 32. Wyatt Hottle and Finn Thomson each have four scores on the year. Maryland will have its hands full slowing down Syracuse’s high-powered attack.
Weakness
Hustle plays. While the Orange have been hard to break down defensively, they haven’t given the offense many transition chances. Syracuse only has eight caused turnovers and 29 ground balls per game — both outside the top-20 nationally. Those added opportunities could prove pivotal against the Terps’ set defense.
Three things to watch
1. Will Schaller vs. Spallina. There may be tons of talent on both sides, but Friday’s game will likely boil down to Syracuse’s top attacker against Maryland’s top defender. That matchup alone should be worth tuning in for. Led by Schaller’s incredible 2025 season, the Terps held Spallina to just two goals and three assists in both meetings last year. If that gameplan stays intact, Maryland should like its odds for a win.
2. Eric Spanos’ impact. An incredible debut from Johnson and Lyons overshadowed a lackluster performance from Spanos. The Terps’ leading scorer in 2025 only had two goals on his nine shots against Loyola. With defenses shifting their focus to guard the Yale duo, Spanos should see more opportunities to fill up the stat sheet.
3. Who wins the battle in the X? Mullen and Henry Dodge will likely be the most common faceoff clash on Friday. The duo are each top-10 in faceoff percentage this season and will look to kickstart their respective offenses. Jonah Carrier will provide Maryland a depth advantage at that position.
