EASTON, Mass. - Harvard (5-4-4) continued their winning ways with a 4-2 victory over Stonehill (4-9-1) on Wednesday evening at W.B. Mason Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak to three matches in front of 847 spectators.
Shane Fonseca opened the scoring for Stonehill in the 2nd minute, but Harvard's Adam Poliakov equalized in the 6th minute with an assist from Alejandro Palacio. The Crimson took control when Dylan Tellado found the net in the 14th minute off Ben Kelly's service. Alexander Castel extended Harvard's lead in the 19th minute, benefiting from a well-worked combination between Marcos Ojea Quintana and Andreas Savva.
The first half showcased Harvard's clinical finishing despite Stonehill's territorial advantage. The Skyhawks generated multiple opportunities, with Shane Fonseca particularly active in attack, recording three shots before the break. Harvard's defensive unit, anchored by Shane Lonergan, weathered sustained pressure while maintaining their two-goal advantage through effective counterattacking play.
Stonehill showed renewed energy after halftime, with Owen Burke pulling one back in the 58th minute to narrow the deficit. The hosts pressed forward in search of an equalizer, with Nathan Lagoa and James Forrest-Hay both testing Harvard's goalkeeper with dangerous attempts. However, Ben Kelly's 76th-minute strike restored Harvard's two-goal cushion, effectively sealing the victory despite a late surge from the Skyhawks.
The match statistics reflected Stonehill's aggressive approach, as they outshot Harvard 19-9 overall, with nine shots on target compared to Harvard's six. The Crimson proved more efficient in set pieces, earning five corner kicks to Stonehill's two. Harvard's goalkeeper recorded seven crucial saves, while his Stonehill counterpart managed two stops. The only caution of the match went to Harvard's Lucas Benuce Sarvas in the 76th minute for unsporting behavior.
Several players delivered standout performances, with Harvard's Ben Kelly contributing both a goal and an assist. Stonehill's Shane Fonseca was particularly impactful, recording five shots and consistently threatening the Harvard defense. The midfield battle saw strong showings from Harvard's Marcos Ojea Quintana and Stonehill's Nathan Lagoa, who both influenced play throughout the match.
Tactically, Harvard's approach emphasized quick transitions and efficient finishing, converting four of their nine shots. Stonehill's high-pressing strategy created numerous chances but ultimately lacked the finishing touch needed to overcome Harvard's defensive organization. The Crimson's ability to absorb pressure and strike on the counter proved decisive.
The victory strengthens Harvard's position in their conference campaign, while Stonehill's competitive showing despite the result demonstrates their potential despite a challenging season. The Crimson's tactical discipline and clinical finishing made the difference in what was otherwise an evenly contested match.
Looking ahead, Harvard aims to extend their winning streak when they visit Columbia on Saturday evening, while Stonehill will look to bounce back from consecutive losses when they travel to Le Moyne on Sunday afternoon. The match highlighted both teams' capabilities, with Harvard's experience in close contests ultimately proving decisive in securing three valuable points on the road.