ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College men's soccer team hosted No. 22 Hobart College on Wednesday afternoon for a midweek Liberty League matchup at Carp Wood Field. The Statesmen entered the contest unbeaten and proved to be a formidable opponent, mounting a second-half comeback to earn a 3–2 victory. Hobart improved to 9-0-2 overall and 4-0-1 in conference play, while Ithaca fell to 6-3-2 and 0-2-1 in Liberty League action.
The Bombers struck early, taking a 1–0 lead just 1:30 into the match.
Jack Longo delivered a pinpoint cross from the right side to
Jared Krasnove, who finished the play with a clean strike that was headed into the back of the net.
Ryan Levy nearly doubled the lead at the 7:12 mark with a shot from the top of the 18-yard box, but it was blocked by a Hobart defender. The opening minutes featured end-to-end action, with both teams pushing into each other's defensive zones.
A key defensive moment came 10 minutes in when
Ikey Borden blocked a powerful Hobart attempt. The Statesmen continued to press and earned a penalty kick at 15:07 after Brady Leitner was fouled inside the box. Quinn Phillips stepped up and converted the shot low to the left to tie the match at 1–1.
Just four minutes later, Phillips struck again. The senior launched a long-range effort from nearly 30 yards out that dipped into the bottom corner past the outstretched arms of
Bryson Shaull, giving Hobart a 2–1 lead.
The first half ended with Hobart ahead 2–1, holding a 10–5 advantage in shot attempts.
Ithaca came out strong in the second half and earned a dangerous opportunity six minutes in when Levy drew a foul just outside the box.
Emmett Enriquez took the ensuing free kick, which led to a scramble in front of goal.
Jack Carney's initial shot was deflected, and Borden was in position to redirect the ball into the net for the equalizer.
Enriquez continued to create chances, forcing a diving save from Hobart goalkeeper Tommy Chyzowych in the 59th minute with a well-placed free kick bent around the wall.
Hobart regained the lead with 22 minutes remaining. Phillips one-touched a pass to Leitner, who slipped the ball through to Daniel Spartaro. Spartaro converted his one-on-one opportunity against Shaull to make it 3–2.
Ithaca pushed forward relentlessly in the final minutes, searching for another equalizer, but Hobart's defense held firm. Despite a strong performance, the Bombers came up short in the 3–2 decision.
Next Up: Ithaca will look to bounce back on Saturday when they travel to Troy, N.Y. for a 4 p.m. Liberty League matchup against RPI.
