CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS — Cornell and Harvard played to a scoreless draw on Saturday, with both Ivy League programs unable to break through in a tightly contested defensive struggle. The Big Red (11-2-2) entered as the higher-ranked team but couldn't capitalize on their offensive opportunities, while Harvard (5-5-5) mounted a resilient second-half performance to secure the point at home.
Cornell dominated possession early, with Andrew Johnson testing Harvard's defense in the fifth minute before firing high. Harvard responded through Ethan Veghte, whose blocked shot in the eighth minute signaled the Crimson's willingness to compete. The first half featured multiple corner kicks for both sides—Cornell earning three and Harvard six—but neither team could convert their set-piece advantages into clear-cut chances.
Harvard's attacking threats mounted as the opening 45 minutes progressed. Alejandro Palacio and Marcos Ojea Quintana created dangerous moments, with Ojea Quintana's low shot in the 12th minute coming closest to breaking the deadlock. Cornell's Campbell Reece and Dominik Kolbl generated chances from distance, but both efforts sailed high. The teams entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0 after a half defined by defensive organization and limited finishing.
Cornell made four substitutions at the break, replacing Giorgos Diakos, Sam Latona, Daniel Samways, and Kasper Wollstein. Harvard countered with three changes of their own, removing Phoenix Wooten, Nicholas Nyquist, and Ethan Veghte. The adjustments failed to unlock either offense, as both keepers remained relatively quiet