ITHACA, N.Y. - The Ithaca men's soccer kicked off their 2023 season at Carp Wood Field on Saturday with a matchup against Fredonia State.
 
It was a slow start for both teams on the pitch with a total of only eight shots in the entire first half. The Bombers led with five of those eight shots, only two being on goal. Ithaca's defense had a bit of a rowdy start tallying 11 fouls and two yellow cards.
 
Within about five minutes of the second half Fredonia State defender, Huddy Kwiatkowski, received a yellow card in the penalty box. Reefe Harrison took the penalty shot but was denied a goal to take the lead by Tanner Stutzman. The Bombers then gained two corners back-to-back after the penalty but were unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunities.
 
Neither the Bombers nor Blue Devils were able to score off three shots on goal for each team in the final 40 minutes. Ithaca led the half again with total shots, tallying seven. The Bombers also led the half in corners earned which were eight. Both teams fought hard until the end with the final score being 0-0.
 
Ikey Borden tallied a team-high two shots, placing a header on target that ended up being saved. IC goalkeeper Johannes Berghahn totaled four saves.
 
The Bombers will return to Carp Wood Field on Monday September 4^th to take on Wilkes University in a non-conference tilt.