The #2 Dartmouth Big Green defeated #3 Columbia 1-0 in front of 625 spectators at Burnham Field, with Stephanie Lathrop's 24th minute goal proving the difference. The win extends Dartmouth's unbeaten streak to four games, improving their record to 10-3-4 overall and 4-1-2 in conference play.
Both teams felt out each other's defensive strengths early, with Columbia's goalkeeper, Carly Fensterstock, making a save in the 5th minute off a shot from Dartmouth's Samantha Erbach. The Big Green took the lead when Lathrop converted a cross from Lourdes Lauterborn in the 24th minute. Columbia responded by pushing more players forward, but Dartmouth's defense held firm, with players like Emily Morse and Kate McManus working together to clear several scoring opportunities.
In the second half, Columbia continued to press, earning a corner kick in the 53rd minute that was cleared by Dartmouth's defense. The Big Green countered with a shot from Erbach in the 60th minute that Fensterstock saved. In the 70th minute, Columbia's pressure increased, but Dartmouth's goalkeeper, Abby Gaior, made crucial saves, including one in the 83rd minute off a shot from Columbia's Rachel Levine. Columbia's efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, with their only shot on goal in the 88th minute being saved by Gaior.
Dartmouth's victory was built on defensive solidity. The Big Green limited Columbia to two shots on goal while earning three corner kicks. Though Columbia attempted 10 shots to Dartmouth's 7, the Big Green's accuracy proved decisive. Columbia's Rachel Hill received a yellow card in the 71st minute for a foul, but it didn't change the game's outcome. Dartmouth's win moves them closer to a potential conference title, while Columbia will look to regroup and bounce back from their first loss in their last four games.
The win has significant implications for both teams' conference title hopes. Dartmouth's four-game winning streak positions them favorably, while Columbia must regroup quickly.
Dartmouth's defensive solidity and Lathrop's timely strike proved decisive. Players like Morse, McManus, and Gaior played key roles in shutting down Columbia's attack, while Erbach and Lauterborn provided the creative spark that led to the winning goal. For Columbia, Levine and Hill showed moments of quality but couldn't convert. The loss highlights areas for improvement as the Lions pursue a strong finish.