Previewing Albany’s 2020 men’s college lacrosse schedule

The Albany Great Danes are the 32nd team in our 2020 men’s college lacrosse schedule preview series and the third team from the America East. Albany finished 5-9 overall in 2019 and 4-3 in America East play. The Great Danes fell to Vermont in the America East semifinals and failed to make it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.

Here’s their entire 2020 schedule:

Who’s In?

• NA

Who’s Out?

• NA

Circle These Dates

• 2/15 vs. Cornell: As it has since the 2016 season, Albany’s season begins with an Upstate New York opponent. Only this time, it’s against Cornell. The second half of their game saw the Big Red get a big lead before the Great Danes, who did not play with Tehoka Nanticoke, tied the game with a 5-0 run in the fourth quarter. But Connor Fletcher’s goal with 14 seconds left gave Cornell the 17-16 win.
• 2/29 vs. Harvard: Two of Albany’s first three opponents are against Ivy League foes. The second is against the Crimson, led by new head coach Gerry Byrne. A 4-0 Harvard run in the third quarter gave them the breathing room they needed for the remainder of the game, as the Great Danes were unable to put together a large run in a one-goal defeat. Sean Eccles recorded five goals, but has graduated. Ron John had a big game at midfield with a goal and three assists.
• 4/3 vs. Syracuse: All of Albany’s previous 18 meetings with Syracuse have been inside the Carrier Dome. This year, their meeting comes to Tom & Mary Casey Stadium for the first time ever. The Great Danes have always wanted the Orange to come to them, and it finally happens. The atmosphere should be very electric inside and outside the stadium. Let’s hope Albany can make it a thrilling game after last year’s 13-5 loss.
• 4/5 vs. Vermont: Less than two days after playing Syracuse, the Great Danes have a very quick and important turnaround as they welcome Vermont to town. Last year in Burlington in the regular season, the Catamounts scored their first win against Albany since 2011 thanks to two goals in the final 3:37 of the game. They lost again to Vermont in the America East semifinals. It could be a potential preview for the America East Championship later in May.
• 4/11 at UMBC: An under-the-radar matchup for Albany will be against the defending conference champion Retrievers. UMBC is known for their defense, and they’ve been able to hold the Great Danes to 10 or fewer goals in their last three matchups. The Retrievers got to within one of Albany late in the fourth quarter, but Nanticoke scored a man-up insurance goal with just over a minute left to complete his hat-trick.