Coughlin steps up to replace Bono, posts first career shutout in Syracuse’s 1-0 win
Ahead by just one goal for the majority of the game, Syracuse goalkeeper Andrew Coughlin had little room for error in his first career start.
Seton Hall threatened, but Coughlin continued to deny the Pirates.
“In his first college start, I think he was pretty awesome,” head coach Ian McIntyre said. “I think he did a great job and I’m very proud of him.”
Syracuse’s usual starting goalkeeper, Alex Bono, received a red card in last Sunday’s loss to Cal State Fullerton, so he was ineligible to play against Seton Hall. Coughlin stepped up for the Orange (7-2, 1-0 Big East) in his place, recording his first career shutout in Syracuse’s 1-0 victory over Seton Hall on Saturday night. Coughlin finished the game with six saves.
Bono was a major part of the Orange’s 6-2 start, as he allowed just five goals and recorded just as many shutouts through the team’s first eight games. His five shutouts rank best in the Big East and his .844 save percentage is good for fourth in the conference.
Even with Syracuse’s talented starting goalkeeper on the sidelines, the defense didn’t miss a beat.
“The defense was great,” said defender Skylar Thomas. “We stayed tight. Not a lot of balls got behind us and our goalie behind us was great as well.
“He saved us a few times.”
After a goal by Jordan Vale gave Syracuse the lead, Seton Hall started to aggressively attack the goal to tie it up. Coughlin made save after save, covering post to post in order to keep the Pirates off the scoreboard.
Seton Hall’s best chance came in the 69th minute on a hard shot from Max Garcia, but Coughlin dove full extension to his left to deflect it away.
“Just doing my job,” Coughlin said with a smile.
The Pirates continued to threaten late in the game, but the redshirt freshman stood his ground. McIntyre and Thomas both said Coughlin deserved credit for his saves in the ever-crucial final minutes of the game to preserve the Orange’s win.
“He pulled off a couple of very important saves for us,” McIntyre said.
Coughlin wasn’t challenged too often in the first half, as the Pirates took just one shot on goal in the first 45 minutes. The Orange had complete control of the game’s tempo.
“He didn’t have a ton to do in the first half, but he was a reassuring presence back there,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre said he gave the start to Coughlin over fellow redshirt freshman Matt Stith, the third goalkeeper on the roster, because of Coughlin’s preseason experience.
“He established himself and was pushing Alex hard in preseason,” McIntyre said. “One guy’s misfortune is another’s opportunity and he took it tonight.”
Coughlin didn’t take the credit for the shutout, and instead acknowledged the help he received from Syracuse’s defensive unit.
“We took care of business,” Coughlin said. “As a whole, the back four knows that we’re solid and we don’t want to give up goals.”
Bono is expected to return to his role of starter on Tuesday in Massachusetts, which means Coughlin will drop back down to second string.
But should the opportunity arise, the Orange found it has some significant depth at goalkeeper.
Said Thomas: “To be honest, I’d feel comfortable with anyone behind me.”
