Ohiri Field, October 25
Men: Harvard 3, Princeton 0
Women: Harvard 6, Princeton 1

Team records:
Harvard:  5-4-3, Ivy 2-1-2
Princeton: 6-5-1, Ivy 1-2-1

Team records:
Harvard: 9-3-2, Ivy 4-1-0
Princeton: 

Game Report

Both teams kept their Ivy League titles chances alive as they registered convincing wins over Princeton today.  In what were miserable weather conditions, designed for players' friends, families, and the hardest core soccer fans, the Tigers were sent back on what will surely be a very long bus ride home.

In the men's game, the first one played, both teams played evenly in the first half.  Princeton was stronger in the beginning, then it evened out, and by the end of the first half things were going Harvard's way.  As the half was ending, Harvard failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity in front of the net.   Normally a bad omen, the Crimson ignored it and came out on fire, with Tom McLaughlin driving home the first two goals in the first ten minutes (assists by Drew Lundquist and Tim Wyant on the first, and Wyant on the second).  Just as it felt like Harvard was going to have a difficult time defending its 2-0 lead, Juan Carlos Montoy drilled the third goal  home, on a nice play set up by Will Hench and Chineze Chijioke.

The win was based on good ball control in the face of wet conditions; good goalkeeping by Jordan Dupuis, especially early in the game, keeping Harvard in the game; and a developing (increasing?) sense of self-confidence that they play well as a team.

They go against Fairfield in the middle of this week (why??), away, but their eyes are on the showdown with Dartmouth this coming weekend.  Dartmouth is good, very good.  And they will be seeking revenge for last year, when they thought they had the Ivy League in the palm of their hands, only to see Harvard take them apart at Ohiri Field.   This year's Big Green is a different story, though.

The women were up next, and during the short period of time I attended a post-game reception for the men's team and families, Harvard had already gone up 5-0.  I hate missing blowouts like this, especially against an Ivy team.  When I arrived at the 40th minute, I saw Keren Gudeman score her goal for the day, a shot right at the goalie that went through her legs.  It was at that point that I understood how the game had gotten out of control.  It's also nice to see Harvard crank out some goals, as they clearly have the offensive power to do so, even if they have fallen short some games of converting what they had created.  I will have details on the game later once the reports fly in from across the globe.

The women also go up against Dartmouth Sunday in the Hanover doubleheader.   It is a huge game for them as well, as they are tied with Dartmouth for the lead in the Ivy League.  If there is any way you can get there, you really ought to.  It may prove to be the best weekend in Ivy League soccer this year.