In an Ivy League battle, Cornell manages to defeat Harvard in Cambridge
By JASPER FU
Coming in at 3-6 (1-0 in the Ivy League), Harvard men’s soccer team looked to make a statement in defeating Cornell’s 24th-ranked team in the nation. Cornell set the pace early with a goal by Charles Touche at the 10th minute. However, Harvard was not to be discouraged and stepped up their game, tying the match at the 38th minute with a nice left foot shot by Nico Garcia-Morillo, his first career goal, as the keeper ran out to smother him. Having tied Cornell in the first half, it very well seemed like Harvard might be poised to take down their Ivy League foe with the momentum definitely on Harvard’s side.
A very aggressive and physical second half ensued, as both teams split 54 fouls between them. Cornell scored just three minutes into the half with Charles Touche finishing inside the 6-yard box. 25 minutes later, Touche netted his hat-trick, all but crushing Harvard’s hopes at defeating this nationally ranked Cornell team. However, Harvard maintained their momentum, scoring just 10 minutes later with a great play by Nico Garcia-Morillo to set up his teammate Alfred Perez. Cornell, however, scored just one minute after, bringing the score 4-2 in their favor. Harvard continually amped up the offensive pressure in an attempt to at least get one goal back, but despite their valiant effort were unable to take a third goal from Cornell. Nonetheless, Harvard played a close-run game against a nationally ranked Cornell team.
11th Ranked Harvard Field Hockey Wins 8th Straight
The Harvard field hockey team seems invincible, with 11 victories out of their 12 games, and undefeated in the last eight. On Sunday, October 7th, they played 23rd ranked Boston University, who definitely put Harvard to the test. Harvard commanded the match from the beginning, outshooting the Bulldogs 17-6 throughout the game. The Crimson team boasted a lethally offensive attack with a goal from junior Maddie Earle off of a BU turnover in the circle, followed just 3 minutes later by freshman Rachel Greenwood, helped Harvard all but guarantee a convincing win.
With this win, Harvard ties a school record set in 2016 for consecutive wins in a season. This field hockey team has not shown many weaknesses throughout this season and has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Their next game is this Saturday, the 13th, where they will host Cornell at 12 PM. Considering how well Harvard has been playing, they seems ready to put on a show for the home fans.
Harvard Earns Shutout for 4th Straight Game
Harvard’s women’s soccer team played exceptionally well this past Saturday. Right out of the opening, Harvard mounted pressure onto the sturdy Cornell defense. The Crimson team shot eight times in the first half alone, forcing the Cornell keeper to make incredible saves. Although goalless, Harvard hoped to play the second half as it did the first, building momentum along the way and believing that their well-deserved goal would come.
As the second half started, Harvard showed themselves as strong a team as they did in the first half, and a very offensive team. This time, their efforts paid off as 4 minutes into the half freshman Trinity Thomas finished off a great cross from Leah Mohammadi. Harvard continued to pressure the Big Red backline, and was awarded a penalty after the ball struck the hand of a Cornell defender. Senior Leah Mohammadi converted the penalty in the 61st minute, and sealed Harvard’s victory.
Things seem to be clicking at a crucial point in the season for the women’s team, having won 3 out of their last 4 games (having settled for a goalless draw in the last of those games). Senior Leah Mohammadi is playing exceptionally well, leading the team with 5 goals and 11 total points. Harvard plays Boston University at home this Tuesday, the 9th, as they hope to continue their streak under Leah Mohammadi’s leadership.
Jasper Fu ’21 (jasperfu@college.harvard.edu) is cheering for the Crimson