Like a lot of siblings, Francesco Pagano and his younger brother Antonino are competitive.

“Whatever, whether it’s Xbox, anything," said Antonino "Nino" Pagano during a recent F-M practice. "Fantasy football, just anything we do.”

“Everything," agreed older brother Francesco "Cicci" Pagano. "If we can find a way, there’s a competition.”

But one thing both Cicci and Nino excel at is soccer, scoring goals, specifically. Nino has broken the F-M school record with 31 goals this season as the Hornets get set for a run in the sectional playoffs, and he says it’s all because of Cicci.

“Honestly, my brother--just watching him score made me want to score," Nino said during a shooting drill. "He gave me tips on how to shoot and everything, so now I’m just like him.”

And, like a lot of younger brothers, being just like Cicci is something Nino’s been chasing his entire life. Just a year apart, the brothers have been playing soccer together since they were 4 and 5 years old. Now a Hornets’ senior, earlier this month Nino finally caught, and passed, his brother’s personal record.

“My junior year, I had 27," said Cicci after a recent Syracuse practice. "Last night, he scored his 28^th. So, that’s awesome, I’m super happy for him and proud of him.”

[[TV Announcer: “Ohhhhh, there it is!  The header into the back of the net for Francesco Pagano.”]]

And Nino, no doubt, feels the same about Cicci, who’s scored four goals for ‘Cuse this year, only one of which Nino was able to see. Because for the first time in 13 years, the brothers aren’t lacing them up for the same team.

“It was weird at first, but, I got used to it," said Nino with a hint of sadness creeping into his voice. "I mean, obviously I like playing with him.”

“Definitely weird, definitely weird not having him play behind me," said his older brother in agreement.

But that’s all going to change in a few months, because, with Cicci’s encouragement, Nino is going to graduate early and join Cicci on the SU campus in January — a highly anticipated family reunion.

“I’m so psyched for it," Nino gushed. "It’ll be such a fun experience to play with him, especially on such a high-level team.”

“It’ll be just like old times, just at a higher level," said Cicci. "I’m excited to get him with these guys, though, it’s a great team.”

[[NATS: “Cuse on 3…1, 2, 3, CUSE!”]]

And while they wait, the brothers will have to settle for watching, and coaching each other from afar.

“He’s honest with me," Cicci said. "He critiques my game, just like I critique his game, which is good. That’s what we want out of each other.”

“It’s just so important to just look in the crowd, and see your brother supporting," said Nino. "It just gives you more confidence.”

Confidence, and competition the ACC conference is going to have to deal with next fall.