POTSDAM, N.Y. – The Ithaca College men's soccer team was undone by two first-half goals as the Bombers fell to Clarkson, 2-0, in the North Country Classic to open the 2016 season at Hantz Turf Field in Potsdam.  Ithaca moved to 0-1-0 on the season with the loss while the Golden Knights now sit at 1-0-0 overall.
 
Both defenses looked strong to start the opening half as neither team could generate much on the offensive end of the field.   The Golden Knights would break the scoreless tie in the 22nd minute after booting a ball from just outside the box into the left side of the cage to take a one-goal lead.
 
Less than seven minutes later, Clarkson would strike again in the 29th minute after heading home a corner kick to extend its lead to 2-0 heading into intermission.
 
The Bombers turned up the tempo in the second half, firing six shots and taking two corners, but the Clarkson defense stood tall and kept Ithaca at bay to earn the win.
 
Freshman Justinian Michaels and sophomore Nathan Schoen each blasted three shots in all while senior Sam Boylan was credited with two shots. 
 
Zach Jacobsen was saddled with the loss after allowing two goals in 90 minutes.  The senior keeper made two saves.
 
Despite not finding the back of the net, Ithaca outshot Clarkson, 9-7, and had four corner kick opportunities in the contest.
 
The Bombers return to the pitch at 12 p.m. on Saturday when they make the short trip to Canton to square off with nationally-ranked St. Lawrence in a non-conference bout.