MADISON, N.J. – The Ithaca College women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Stockton University on Saturday afternoon as part of the Drew Fall Festival. The Bombers battled through a nearly two-hour lightning delay and saw Stockton net the eventual game-winner in the 20th minute. With the loss, Ithaca falls to 2-1 on the season, while Stockton improves to 2-1-1.
Stockton had an early opportunity in the third minute, but sophomore goalkeeper
Katrina Varnum came up big to deny Carissa Goodwin. Ithaca responded with its first shot attempt in the 11th minute, as
Lilyana Baldi dribbled into the box and fired a shot that was saved by Morgan Keil.
The Ospreys broke through in the 20th minute when Megan Morris played a through ball to Madison Bjorndahl, who slid it into the back of the net. It marked the first goal conceded by the Bombers this season after posting shutouts against Elmira and Heidelberg.
Play was halted in the 22nd minute due to lightning, resulting in a delay that lasted nearly two hours. When action resumed, neither team was able to generate a significant scoring chance before halftime, and Stockton carried its 1-0 lead into the break.
Kaelyn Fernandez nearly equalized in the 53rd minute, forcing Keil into a sprawling save with a well-struck shot inside the 18-yard box. The Bombers earned a corner kick on the play but couldn't capitalize. Fernandez continued to apply pressure and forced another save from Keil in the 59th minute to keep the scoreline unchanged.
Varnum made another key stop in the 78th minute, denying Makayla Jaffe on a breakaway. In the closing minutes, Ithaca created chaos in the box.
Mia Medearis settled a loose ball and fired a shot just wide of the target. She remained active in the attack and had another attempt blocked by a Stockton defender in the 84th minute.
Reese Ruegamer tested Keil one final time in the 88th minute, but the Ospreys' goalkeeper and backline held firm to preserve the shutout. Ithaca finished the match with a 9-4 advantage in shots and a 6-3 edge in corner kicks.
The Bombers return to action on Sunday for a non-conference matchup against host Drew University, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m.
