ITHACA, N.Y. – On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, the Ithaca College men's soccer team hosted SUNY Brockport for its home opener at Carp Wood Field, overcoming an early Golden Eagles goal to secure a 3-1 victory. With this win, the Bombers improved to 3-1 on the season, while Brockport fell to 1-2-1.
Just 4:49 into the match, Brockport's Max Voyer capitalized on a sloppy pass among the Bombers' defensive backline, slotting it past Brayden Milbrandt. Milbrandt made a crucial save in the 16th minute, denying Russ Domm after a long through ball.
Ithaca equalized in the 24th minute when a miscommunication led to a Golden Eagles defender passing the ball back towards his goalkeeper, Andrew Taylor, who failed to control it, resulting in an own goal. Brockport had another chance in the 42nd minute, but Milbrandt stood tall against Gael Baraldi's attempt.
The Bombers took the lead just before halftime. At the 44:37 mark, Ikey Borden settled a pass at the top of the 18-yard box and sent Andrew Kusek on a one-on-one with Taylor, who couldn't stop Kusek's shot. Ithaca led 2-1 at the break, despite being outshot 5-4, with Milbrandt recording four saves.
The momentum swung further in Ithaca's favor in the 57th minute when Russ Domm received a straight red card. The Bombers crisp passing paid off again in the 71st minute. Off an IC throw, Connor Tierney found Drew Warren at the top right of the 18-yard box, and Warren sent the ball into the upper corner for his second goal of the season, making it 3-1.
Ithaca controlled possession for the final 20 minutes, outshooting Brockport 15-9 and placing nine shots on target. Andrew Kusek and Jack Carney each had three shots, with Kusek putting all three on frame.
Next up, Ithaca College will travel to Fredonia on Saturday to face the Blue Devils at 2:30 p.m. The Bombers will return to Carp Wood Field on Wednesday, September 18, to host nationally ranked SUNY Cortland at 4 p.m.
