ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca College men's soccer team battled back late to earn a 1-1 draw against RPI on Saturday afternoon at Carp Wood Field.
Ithaca looked to establish pressure early, earning multiple corner kicks and creating opportunities in the attacking third. Defensively,
Juan Gonzalez-Mayoral came up with an early block to help keep the Engineers from extending their attack. Goalkeeper
Brayden Milbrandt also made key saves in the opening half to keep the game close.
RPI broke through just before halftime, as Christopher McKinney scored an unassisted goal in the 45th minute to give the Engineers a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
The Bombers increased their pressure after halftime, controlling possession and creating more chances in the attacking third. Ithaca recorded 19 shots in the second half and earned 11 corner kicks after the break as it continued to search for the equalizer.
The persistence paid off in the 86th minute.
Emile Antoine found the back of the net for his third goal of the season, finishing a pass from
Liam Breslin to bring the Bombers level at 1-1.
Ithaca continued to push for a go-ahead goal in the closing minutes, but neither side found the net again as the teams settled for a draw.
The Bombers finished with a 25-11 advantage in shots and a 17-0 edge in corner kicks. Antoine led Ithaca with three shots, including two on goal, while
Cameron Wooten recorded four shots. Milbrandt played all 90 minutes in goal and made three saves.
Ithaca remains at home as it plays host to No. 1 St. Lawrence University for a 4 p.m. Liberty League contest on Wednesday, October 14.
