MORRISVILLE, N.Y. – The Ithaca College men's soccer team shut out SUNY Morrisville, 1-0, Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Drake Field to pick up its fifth victory of the season.
The Bombers started the game strong, allowing just one early chance from the Mustangs. IC goalkeeper
Brayden Milbrandt came off his line quickly to limit the scoring opportunity and stop the chance altogether.
In the 12th minute, the Bombers' offense connected on a throw-in, as
Noah Partenza scored from 30 yards out to give Ithaca a 1-0 lead.
Six minutes later, Ithaca had another opportunity as
Jack Carney broke through the Mustangs' defense and found himself one-on-one with Morrisville goalkeeper Johnathan Tolpa. Tolpa dove to the near side and deflected the ball out of play to keep the game within reach for the Mustangs.
The defensive stop helped kick-start Morrisville's offense, as the Mustangs began pushing play toward the Ithaca end late in the first half. Morrisville registered three shots, including two on goal, and earned a corner. However, the Mustangs couldn't find the back of the net, as Milbrandt turned aside each opportunity.
Morrisville's strong defensive effort continued as the Bombers came out of the break with pressure of their own. Ithaca earned two corners within the first 10 minutes of the second half. Although the Bombers weren't able to turn those chances into shots, their pressure kept the ball in the Mustangs' end for much of the second half.
The Mustangs were limited to just a few opportunities in the second half, with the Bombers holding Morrisville to two shots in the final frame. Additionally, IC did not allow the Mustangs to earn a corner in the second half.
Milbrandt finished with two saves to earn his fourth shutout of the season.
Ithaca will finish its road trip on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Bethlehem, Pa., as the Bombers take on Moravian University.
