SCRANTON, Pa. – The Ithaca College women's soccer team traveled to take on the University of Scranton on Wednesday afternoon. The Royals were able to use an early goal in which proved to be decisive in a 1-0, non-conference loss.
 
Two minutes into the matchup, Scranton was awarded a free kick deep in Ithaca's defensive third. The Royals capitalized on the set-piece opportunity, as Morgan Griffin curled a shot into the top-right corner to give Scranton a 1–0 lead just 5:40 into the first half.
 
Ithaca responded with its first shot 10 minutes in, as Lily Fusco aimed low to the right, but the Royals' keeper made the save. The remainder of the first half featured back-and-forth play, with neither side able to break through. Zara Nourie had a near miss for the Bombers in the 31st minute, sending a shot just wide. Goalkeeper Katrina Varnum came up with a key save late in the half to keep the deficit at one.
 
At halftime, Scranton held a 1–0 lead. The Royals outshot the Bombers 8-3 overall, though both teams had two shots on goal. Ithaca's attempts came from Nourie, Fusco, and Ali Amari.
 
The Bombers opened the second half with possession, but Scranton quickly countered with a shot of their own. Ava Detorie responded with two strong chances for Ithaca, including a high strike that just cleared the crossbar in the 56th minute.
 
As the second half wore on, both teams traded possessions, with Ithaca pushing hard for an equalizer. Late efforts from Lilyana Baldi and Margo Kasenchar added to the Bombers' pressure, but none found the back of the net.
 
Despite a strong second-half effort, Ithaca was unable to break through, and Scranton held on for the 1-0 victory.
 
Next up, Ithaca (3-2-1) will travel to crosstown rivals Cortland for a non-conference matchup slated for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23.