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ITHACA, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2021) – The USMMA men's soccer team was looking to defeat regional-powerhouse Ithaca College for the second-straight meeting, but it was the #23 Bombers that came out on top, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon at Ithaca's Higgins' Stadium. The defeat drops the Mariners' record to 1-1, while the Bombers improves to 2-0.
 
Despite freshman Maximillian Farris (Clayton, Ga.) getting the first shot on goal of the game in the fourth minute, which was turned aside, it was Ithaca that opened the scoring in the ninth minute on a tally by junior Aidan Keenan, assisted by freshman Connor Tierney.
 
Things could've been worse for Merchant Marine, but junior keeper Chase Miller (Boise, Idaho) turned aside three more shots in the next ten minutes to keep it a one-goal game.
 
Ithaca finished the first half with a 9-5 advantage in shots, but just a 4-3 edge in shots on goal, as freshman Derek Vanasse (Camarillo, Calif.) had two attempts for the Mariners that were stopped by Bomber senior goalkeeper Josh Koenig.
 
Miller made one more save early in the second half, but Ithaca senior Kyle Sicke doubled the hosts' lead in the 79th minute off a feed from sophomore Reefe Harrison.
 
The Mariners' last good chance came in the 84th minute, but senior Cole Blake's (Parker, Colo.) shot on goal was saved by Koenig.
 
Miller finished the afternoon with five saves, while Koenig had four for Ithaca to earn the blank sheet.
 
The Mariners (1-1) are right back in action tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 5, when they stay Upstate to take on Cortland (0-1-1). Kickoff is schedule for 2 p.m. at the Red Dragons' T. Fred Holloway Field. Live stats and a live video feed of the game will be available with links on the USMMA Men's Soccer Schedule Page.
 
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