POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Ithaca College men's soccer team's season came to an end Friday afternoon with a 2-0 loss to Vassar College in the Liberty League semifinals at Gordon Field.
The first half remained scoreless through much of the opening 40 minutes, with both teams looking to find an offensive rhythm. Ithaca had several opportunities to get on the board, but Vassar goalkeeper Jacob Raphan kept the Bombers off the scoreboard. Vassar broke through in the 43rd minute when Giovanni Dimauro played the ball into the box. Alejandro Martinez's header hit the crossbar, and Allen scored on the rebound for his second goal of the season. Vassar took a 1-0 lead into halftime and held a 5-3 advantage in shots.
Vassar doubled its lead in the 53rd minute when Joshua Lee sent a centering pass from the right wing to Mejia, who finished for his fifth goal of the season. The Bombers looked to cut into the deficit in the 67th minute when Allen was called for a foul in the box and received a yellow card. However, Raphan saved
Nick Dignazio's penalty kick to preserve Vassar's two-goal lead.
Ithaca continued to push for a goal in the closing minutes, but Vassar's defense held firm to secure the 2-0 victory. The teams combined for eight yellow cards, with five issued to the Bombers and three to the Brewers.
Vassar outshot Ithaca 9-6 and held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal. Vassar also led 4-3 in corner kicks. Dignazio led Ithaca with two shots, while Martinez led Vassar with three shots and an assist.
In goal,
Brayden Milbrandt played all 90 minutes and made one save. Raphan also played the full match for Vassar, making two saves, including the penalty stop, to record the shutout.
Ithaca finishes the season at 10-4-7, while Vassar improves to 7-5-6 and advances to the Liberty League championship game.
