When Jordan Evans scored three minutes into the second quarter of Syracuse’s season opener against Siena, the aftermath was different than the team’s other 18 goals on the night.

It was the first career goal for one of the most anticipated first-year players in program history. And instead of the customary hit songs that play after SU goals, Evans’ was followed by a dramatic, theatrical instrumental.

But since then, Evans admits his first season with the Orange has been somewhat of a disappointment — with high expectations surrounding him after he accepted SU head coach John Desko’s offer to wear the coveted No. 22 as a freshman from Jamesville-DeWitt (N.Y.) High School. The No. 1 recruit in the 2013 class injured his left ankle in a preseason match against Towson and, despite returning to full strength, has played in only six games.

“He’s good enough to play for us right now,” Desko said. “It’s just a matter of when we can get him in.”

With Syracuse struggling mightily at the faceoff X for extended periods this season, even the Orange’s second midfield line and alternate attacks have seen limited playing time. For Evans and fellow freshman Nick Weston, who are the next midfielders in the rotation after the second line, playing time has been particularly low. Freshman defender Scott Firman — who also attended Jamesville-DeWitt — is the only freshman to see consistent minutes this season, playing on the wings on faceoffs and defense.

During March, Evans played in only one of Syracuse’s five games. He saw limited action against Duke on March 23 before sitting out the team’s first game of April against Binghamton.

Coming into the season, there were high expectations for the local star, due to the 401 points he collected in four high school seasons.

“I think it’s important for us to help him and show him that it’s about the team and the coaches,” SU attack Kevin Rice said. “He works hard and he has a great attitude. Based off of his attitude and his work ethic, I don’t think he’s discouraged.

“We don’t really have to listen to the outside. And I think he’s done a great job with that.”

Desko and Rice both said they’ve seen flashes from Evans in practice, where Evans said his game has improved mostly in off-ball situations. Desko said he’s sure Evans is frustrated by the lack of playing time, but said the freshman is doing well in practice and in the game action he’s seen.

“It’s a little disappointing not to get out there and get a chance to show that I have something to help this team out,” Evans said. “Maybe my time will come to show everybody what I got and show that I can help this team. If they need me, they need me. If they don’t, then I’ll be there.”

The patience has, in a way, paid off.

Evans did earn a few shifts in SU’s last two games — victories over then-No. 6 Cornell and then-No. 4 North Carolina — and showed flashes of what to expect in years to come. Evans played two shifts toward the end of the third quarter against the Tar Heels, and hit Nicky Galasso with a pass that led to a goal that cut the Tar Heels’ lead to 7-6.

And with midfielders Billy Ward, Derek Maltz and Scott Loy graduating after this season, Evans can expect an opportunity to prove himself against the expectations in the future.

“That’s definitely nice,” Evans said. “Hopefully come next year I’ll have a chance to show everybody, and show this team, that I can help these guys out and get out there and make an impact.”

Published on April 15, 2014 at 1:00 am

Contact Josh: jmhyber@syr.edu