The NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship came to a close on Sunday with Stanford claiming their third consecutive national championship. Several former Quakes Academy players competed in college this year, scoring many goals and helping their teams chase glory.
But as far as top-shelf strikes go, few dropped jaws as much as this stunner by Syracuse sophomore John-Austin Ricks back in September.
On Sept. 1, Ricks and the Orange took on Princeton as part of the Central New York Classic. With Syracuse down a goal and a man in the 84th minute, Ricks blasted a volley up and over Princeton’s keeper to earn his side an unlikely draw.
Ricks, 19, has excelled in the center of the park on both defense and midfield for ‘Cuse this season, scoring three goals in 13 games. Keep an eye on him for next season when he returns to the Orange as a junior.
