ITHACA, NY- The Utica College men's soccer team fell in its Empire 8 Conference opener, 4-0, to host Ithaca College Saturday afternoon.  This marks the first time since 2012 that the Pioneers have lost the opening game of their conference schedule.
 
Ithaca scored a quick goal just 2:25 into the contest as Sean Forward netted his first of the season.  Forward's tally was the only score of the first half as the Bombers took a 1-0 lead into halftime. 
 
Utica suffered from playing down a man for the whole second half and Ithaca took advantage. The Bombers added an insurance goal in the 54^th minute as Brandon Thompson found the back of the net for his team-leading third goal of the year.  Ithaca's Sam Boylan converted on a penalty kick in the 66^th minute with his first tally, and Matt Bukowski capped off the scoring in the 81^st minute. 
 
Sophomore Matthew Milograno (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro) made three stops in the loss, while Zach Jacobsen had three saves in his first shutout of the year.  The Pioneers (3-5) return to action Wednesday as they travel to nearby Clinton, NY to take on local rival, Hamilton College.  Game time is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.