Men's Soccer | 10/23/2021 4:18:00 PM

Box Score ITHACA, N.Y. - Freshman Julio Rodriguez scored in the 39th minute and senior goalkeeper Luke Brezak made it stand with a five-save performance as the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's soccer team blanked Ithaca College 1-0 to move into first place in the Liberty League. The Engineers, who are now 10-2-2 overall and 6-1-0 in the conference, jumped the Bombers, who fall to 7-5-4 and 5-1-1. RPI has 18 points, while Ithaca has 16 with both teams having two more league games.

The lone marker of the day came off the foot of Rodriguez, who scored on a volley from the top of the box. Following an RPI throw in from the right sideline deep in its offensive zone, the ball was eventually chipped toward the front of the net by sophomore Reggie Durden, but headed away by Ithaca's Colin Shust. It fell to an unmarked Rodriguez, who fired the ball with his left foot past three defenders and a diving goalkeeper. 

The Engineers had the final two shots of the first half, which gave both teams six shots apiece in the first 45 minutes. Brezak had three saves at that point, while Lee Folger of the Bombers had two stops. 

Brezak had two more saves in the second half, including one after Rensselaer was forced to play down one for the final 34:17 due to a red card. The Bombers had four corner kicks and outshot the Engineers 6-2 while up a man, but could not convert as their unbeaten streak was snapped at seven games (5-0-2).

RPI returns to action on Wednesday night at 7:30pm when it hosts Vassar College. Ithaca travels to third place RIT on Tuesday at 7pm.