Goalkeeper Alex Bono Leads Syracuse Men’s Soccer to Unprecedented Success
By Phil Naegely
When one thinks of Syracuse University Athletics and its success, men’s basketball and Jim Boeheim most likely come to mind. In 2014 another Orange athletic team, Syracuse Men’s Soccer, is finding unprecedented success behind junior goalkeeper Alex Bono’s stellar play.
On Tuesday, the hard work and impressive regular season paid off for the Syracuse men’s soccer who earned the No. 1 ranking in the NSCAA poll for the first time in program history.
"“This is obviously a big day for our program,” Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre told Syracuse Athletics. “It’s a great reward for all of the hard work everyone associated with this team has put in during the course of the year. Now we look forward and get ready to embrace the challenge of postseason play.”"
During the 2014 regular season, Bono has helped lead ‘Cuse to a 14-2-1 overall record and a 5-2-1 record in ACC play. Bono has only allowed seven goals, posted a .40 GAA and recorded 11 shutouts on the season. On October 31st against Boston College, the Orange clinched a share of the ACC title behind a 2-1 (2OT) win over Boston College.
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They are the No. 2 seed in the upcoming ACC tournament. Syracuse men’s soccer will take on the winner of NC State or Duke in the quarterfinal round on Sunday, November 9 at 1 p.m.
Bono’s success and leadership in goal isn’t surprising. During the Summer of 2013 and 2014, Bono improved and impressed by playing for USL-PDL side and Philadelphia Union affiliate Reading United. His time with Reading over two summers allowed him to stay in shape and competitive during many players’ “off months.” It also gave him experience and possibly raised his draft stock for interested MLS scouts.
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As a junior Bono could elect to go pro and be eligible for the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, or he could come back for his senior year. Bono is considered by some to be a viable candidate for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which goes to the two best Division I soccer players – one in men’s soccer and one in women’s soccer. However, goalies don’t usually win the award, but they have in the past. One past goalie recipient was USMNT and MLS star Tony Meola.
With the way Bono is playing, one could argue for him to go pro or to stay at Syracuse. Personally, it’s best if he remains at Syracuse and look to improve, develop, and impress for another season unless he is offered a generation Adidas (GA) contract. Last year, University of Connecticut goalie Andre Blake was signed as a GA player and was the first goalie to be drafted first overall in an MLS SuperDraft.
While ‘Cuse looks to win their first ACC title, Bono remains a formidable opposing goalie to face in net. The Orange have already rewritten the history books so far this season and could add to it as they look to stay focused and make a deep NCAA tournament run.