NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Columbia (2-6-4) earned a convincing 3-1 victory over Harvard (5-5-4) in front of 847 spectators at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Lions recorded their first Ivy League win of the season while snapping Harvard's two-game winning streak.
Brandon Newman put Columbia ahead in the 58th minute, finishing a well-worked assist from Will Case. The Lions doubled their advantage in the 65th minute through Will Case's strike. Harvard's Adam Poliakov pulled one back in the 70th minute, but Stepan Kapranov sealed the win for Columbia in the 74th minute with a clinical finish, assisted by the combination of Henning Myrvang and Amir Yahalom.
The first half saw both teams create opportunities but struggle to find the breakthrough. Harvard's Tim Langenbahn had an early shot blocked in the 3rd minute, while Andreas Savva tested the Columbia defense with a blocked attempt in the 7th minute. Columbia's Henning Myrvang responded with a blocked shot in the 9th minute, demonstrating the back-and-forth nature of the opening period.
The second half brought increased intensity and decisive moments. Columbia's tactical adjustments paid dividends as they controlled more possession and created higher quality chances. The Lions made several key substitutions around the hour mark, with Brandon Newman's introduction proving particularly impactful before his opening goal. Harvard's response through Poliakov briefly threatened a comeback, but Kapranov's goal effectively sealed the result.
Statistically, Columbia edged the shot count 12-11, putting 8 attempts on target compared to Harvard's 5. Both teams earned 4 corner kicks apiece, highlighting the match's competitive nature. Harvard's Marcos Ojea Quintana received the game's only yellow card in the 76th minute for unsporting behavior.
Several players stood out individually. Columbia's Will Case demonstrated his offensive prowess with a goal and assist, while Stepan Kapranov's performance was highlighted by his crucial third goal. For Harvard, Adam Poliakov showed persistence in attack, eventually finding the net, while Phoenix Wooten's defensive work was notable despite drawing multiple fouls.
Columbia's tactical approach focused on building through the midfield, with Henning Myrvang and Amir Yahalom providing crucial link-up play. Harvard attempted to counter through quick transitions, utilizing the speed of Andreas Savva and Tim Langenbahn, though Columbia's defensive organization largely contained these threats.
The victory marks a significant turning point for Columbia, who entered the match seeking their first Ivy League win. For Harvard, the loss interrupts their momentum following consecutive victories against Brown and Stonehill, dropping their conference record to 1-3-1.
Looking ahead, Columbia aims to build on this success when they host Fordham on October 28, while Harvard will look to rebound in their next Ivy League matchup against Cornell on November 1. The Lions' improved finishing and tactical discipline will give them confidence heading into their midweek non-conference clash, while the Crimson have a week to address the defensive lapses that proved costly in this defeat.