UTICA, N.Y. – Ithaca College sophomore Sean Forward converted on a penalty kick opportunity in the 27^th minute Saturday as the Bombers defeated host Utica College 1-0 in Empire 8 Conference men's soccer action on the turf at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.  Utica senior goalie David Abdou (Whitesboro, NY/Whitesboro) tied his career-high with nine saves in net for the Pioneers.

Utica, winless in their last four games, moved its record to 4-6-3 overall and 2-2 in the Empire 8. Ithaca is now 3-6-2 on the season and 3-1 in Empire 8 play.  The Bombers avenged last year's Empire 8 Conference Tournament semifinal loss at the hands of the Pioneers at Gaetano Stadium in 2013.

Freshman Connor Reagan (Sanbornton, NH/Bridgton ) led Utica with four shots on the day. The Pioneers outshot the visitors 7-6 in the second half, but they could not find the back of the net as they lost their third one goal game of the season.

Ithaca outshot Utica 12-6 in the first half and 18-13 overall.  The Bombers also earned an 11-3 advantage in corner kicks.  UC had one last chance to score as they earned a corner kick in the final moments of the contest, but unfortunately for the Pioneers they could not get the kick off before the final buzzer sounded to end regulation.

Ithaca goalie Jordan Gentile registered seven saves in net for the Bombers.

The Pioneers will travel to Nazareth College for a key Empire 8 Conference match next Saturday at 1 p.m.