Syracuse’s bid for a third consecutive national championship hinges greatly on the development of its midfield. Replacing last year’s first line of Dan Hardy, Matt Abbott and Pat Perritt is an arduous task, but the Orange has several players-in-waiting.

Junior Josh Amidon has drawn comparisons to Abbott for his all-field skills, junior Jovan Miller used his speed as a short-stick defensive midfielder for the past two seasons, and junior Jeremy Thompson posted 62 goals and 54 assists in two years at Onondaga Community College.

"I feel good about the players we have in the midfield," coach John Desko said. "We’re going to be young and inexperienced there, but I think we’re going to be good. I just don’t know when. … I feel good about their athletic ability and talent."

On the flip side, Syracuse’s defense could be one of the stingiest in the country. Although Sid Smith graduated, junior John Lade (53 groundballs) is expected to slide into Smith’s role as the team’s top shutdown defenseman. Senior Matt Tierney is underrated, junior Joel White is perhaps the best long-stick midfielder in the nation, and junior John Galloway anchors the back end.

"I think a lot of people have associated Syracuse with his scoring, and that’s true," Desko said. "But to keep people from scoring against us, that’s something we take great pride in. … It’s always comforting knowing that you have that kind of returning experience on defense."