Women's Soccer Drops Conference Opener to Ithaca

ELMIRA, NY - In their first Empire 8 conference match of the 2007 season the Soaring Eagles (0-4, 1-0 E8) fell to Ithaca College (3-1, 1-0 E8) by the score of 3-0. The Bombers came into this afternoon’s game ranked 7th in the New York region according to the most recent NSCAA-Adidas poll.

For almost the entire match EC was forced to play defensively. Despite heavy pressure in the first ten minutes, the Soaring Eagles managed to keep their composure on many close calls in front of the goal box. As the half continued, EC made some crucial stops, and held Ithaca’s offense at bay. Fourth year goalie Meaghan Doherty ’08 (Albany, NY -- Albany) came up with some terrific saves to help keep Elmira in the match. In just the first half alone she managed to make a total of ten saves, while facing 12 shots from the Bombers.

Following the halftime break, EC tried to make some things happen offensively, but were stopped almost immediately by Ithaca’s defense. Christine Domingo ’08 (Newington, CT -- Newington) and Jessica Talbot ’08 (Gilbertsville, NY -- Gilbertsville) tried to help move the ball up the middle of the field in hopes to get a shot off. Talbot managed to put one shot on goal today, while midfielder Moira Ghent ’09 (Chittenden, VT -- Berkshire School) earned the team’s only other shot on goal.

The Bombers would break the 0-0 tie following a miscommunication in the defensive third, which allowed forward Winnie Adrien to sneak behind the team’s defensive line, and place the ball pass Doherty. Ithaca’s final two goals came off of crosses from the right side of the field late in the second half. Ithaca only allowed the Soaring Eagles one corner kick opportunity the entire match.

The Women’s Soccer team will now go on the road for their next five games. Their first match is scheduled for this Saturday, September 15th. EC will head to St. Lawrence University to face the Saints in a non-conference game. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.

Ithaca College 3, Elmira College 0
Box Score

Ithaca College (3-1, 1-0)      0      3      --      3
Elmira College (0-4, 0-1)     0      0      --      0

Scoring: I-Winnie Adrien 53:33, Amy Scheffer (Beth Hoover) 67:29, Chelsey Feldman (Colleen Masterson) 75:21
Shots: I-22, E-2; Saves: I-Aimee Meacham 2, E-Meaghan Doherty 12
Corner Kicks: I-11, E-1