Ithaca College Women's Soccer Extends Winless Streak to Five

The Ithaca College women's soccer team fell 3-1 to the William Smith College Herons on September 30 at Carp Wood Field, stretching its winless streak to five matches. This defeat marks a significant downturn for the Bombers, who began the season with a 4-0-0 record.

Herons Score Season-High Three Goals

William Smith secured an early lead in the sixth minute when junior forward Grace Metzler scored from a corner kick. The Herons then doubled their advantage 15 minutes into the second half, with junior forward Kristin Middaugh capitalizing on a defensive clearance. This marked the first time the Bombers conceded three goals in a single game since the 2024 NCAA Tournament second round, having previously allowed only four goals across their first eight matches this season.

Offensive Output Declines Sharply Ithaca College's offensive production has significantly diminished Ithaca College's offensive production has significantly diminished, with the team scoring only two goals in its last five games, a stark contrast to the nine goals netted in its initial four matches. Head coach Mindy Quigg attributed these recent struggles to the caliber of opponents and her team's inability to convert scoring opportunities. Senior forward Lily Baldi shifted from striker to right wing, and three substitutes were deployed in a false nine role in an attempt to spark the offense. First-year midfielder Meghan Maragioglio scored a late goal for the Bombers, but William Smith's Metzler secured her second goal of the match on a breakaway.

Players Identify Structural Gaps Junior goalkeeper Katrina Varnum faced an early challenge Junior goalkeeper Katrina Varnum faced an early challenge, conceding a goal from a near-post corner. Senior defender Zara Nourie's clearance directly led to William Smith's second goal. Sophomore defender Kyra Lynch noted the team's slow starts in both halves, stating, "We need to bring energy right from the start and jump on them right from the start." Senior forward Ella Shorkey, returning from injury, played 18 minutes in her second appearance of the season. Coach Quigg identified "gaps from the backs to the middies" and "gaps from the middies to the forwards" as structural issues hindering the team's build-up play. Road Games Loom for Conference Play The Bombers' current record stands at 4-2-3, with one point earned from two Liberty League games. The team faces five of its remaining seven conference games on the road following the conclusion of its six-game homestand. Ithaca College will host the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds on October 3 at Carp Wood Field, aiming to reverse its recent performance trend. Lynch expressed confidence in the team's future, asserting, "We're gonna show the Liberty League what we're made of."