ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca men's soccer team (4-2-2, 1-0-0 Empire 8) scored twice early in the first half and went on to a 3-0 victory over Alfred (5-3-0, 0-1-0 Empire 8) in the conference opener for both schools Saturday at Carp Wood Field.

The Bombers took the lead in the eighth minute when freshman forward Jack Shirley (Hand/Madison, Conn.) converted a close shot on a pass from freshman forward Fernando Casanova (Loyola/Santo Domingo, D.R.). It was Shirley's second goal of the season. Junior midfielder Jeff Geyer (Rham/Hebron, Conn.) doubled Ithaca's lead in the 15th minute with an unassisted goal. Geyer collected the ball after it deflected off an Alfred defender and shot home from 20 yards.

Ithaca outshot Alfred 11-3 in the first half and 25-5 in the game. Junior goalkeeper Justin Parlapiano (Stafford/Stafford Springs, Conn.) made three saves in earning his fifth shutout of the year. The Bombers have allowed just four goals in eight games this season.

The Bombers scored once more in the second half, as freshman forward Max Grigri (Gateway Regional/Wenonah, N.J.) scored his first career goal in the 82nd minute. He was first to control a loose ball in the penalty area and scored.

Ithaca held a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks.

The Bombers continue Empire 8 play next weekend with games at the Rochester Institute of Technology on Saturday and at Nazareth on Sunday.

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