ITHACA, N.Y. — The Ithaca men's soccer team (7-1-1, 2-0-1 Empire 8) won 2-1 over the Rochester Institute of Technology (4-7-0, 2-1-0 Empire 8) Sunday. The Bombers are undefeated in five home games this season.

Ithaca tied the game in the 54th minute. Senior midfielder Jason Kaufman (Wilbraham Monson Academy/Leverett, Mass.) collected a loose ball at the edge of the six-yard box. With the keeper off his line, Kaufman deposited the ball in the left corner for his third goal of the season.

The Bombers nearly took the lead in the 77th minute when junior back Justin Wu (Philips Academy/Concord, Mass.) stole the ball at midfield. Wu streaked down the right sideline and crossed to senior forward John Tarson (Philips Academy/Acton, Mass.). Tarson's shot narrowly missed wide left.

With less than two minutes left to play, sophomore midfielder Matt Baluzy (Franklin Delano Roosevelt/Salt Point) crossed the ball inside the box to junior forward Jeff South (Aptos/Aptos, Calif.). South connected with the game-winning goal from nine yards out. South leads the team with three game-winning goals. The assist was the first of Baluzy's career. The Bombers have outscored opponents 9-2 in the second half this season.

The Bomber controlled possession for most of the game. Ithaca outshot RIT 19-8. Senior goalkeeper Andy Wilhelm (Centennial/Ellicott City, Md.) made five saves. His biggest save came with less than five minutes left in the first half. Wilhelm used his legs to make a brilliant save on a shot taken from the edge of the six yard box.

Ithaca takes the field at home against Rowan in a non-conference game Saturday at 3 p.m. 

Box Score