NEW YORK, NEW YORK — Cornell's Blake Donahue scored in the 29th minute to lift the visiting Big Red past Columbia 1-0 on Saturday before 154 spectators. The goal, assisted by Sergio Zapata, proved decisive in a defensive battle that saw the away team control possession and limit the home Lions to minimal scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Cornell (12-2-2) extended its winning streak to one game with the road victory, improving its NCAA Division I resume with a clean sheet performance. The Big Red's 5-on-goal advantage demonstrated their attacking intent, though Columbia's goalkeeper made four saves to keep the deficit manageable. The hosts, now 3-8-4 after dropping their second consecutive contest, struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure despite earning four corner kicks.
Donahue's goal came midway through the first half after Cornell had already created several chances. Westin Carnevale and Nate Hovan tested Columbia's defense early, with both players recording shot attempts before Donahue's breakthrough. The goal shifted momentum decisively in Cornell's favor, forcing Columbia into a reactive posture for the remainder of the half.
Columbia made six substitutions at halftime in an attempt to alter the match's trajectory, replacing Ryan Yang, Amir Yahalom, Peter Chang, Will Case, Luke Zielinski, and Andres Garcia. The wholesale changes reflected desperation from the home side, yet the adjustments failed to produce meaningful offensive output. Cornell countered with four substitutions of their own, rotating Sergio Zapata, Blake Donahue, Kasper Wollstein, and Daniel Samways.
The second half remained tightly contested, with neither team breaking through despite multiple attempts. Aidan Martin and Adam Schaban generated blocked shots for Cornell, while Carmine Falco and Henning Myrvang created chances for Columbia that went unrealized. The Lions' inability to convert their opportunities proved costly as the match wore on.
Cornell's defensive organization proved the difference, with the Big Red limiting Columbia to just three shots on goal across 90 minutes. The visiting team's six corner kicks provided additional set-piece opportunities that Columbia's defense managed to repel. Dominik Kolbl and Connor Miller anchored Cornell's backline, combining with goalkeeper Ryan Friedberg to preserve the shutout.
Columbia's recent form—a 5-1 victory over Fordham followed by consecutive defeats—suggests inconsistency plaguing the Ivy League