CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Princeton (6-1-0) continued their winning streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Harvard (3-2-2) in Ivy League action on Saturday afternoon at Jordan Field. The match was witnessed by a crowd of 1,247 spectators as the Tigers extended their winning run to five consecutive games.
The match's lone goal came through sustained Princeton pressure, though the exact scoring details were not recorded in the official statistics. Both teams demonstrated strong defensive organization throughout, with goalkeepers from both sides being called into action multiple times.
The first half saw Harvard create early danger when Dylan Tellado fired a shot wide in the 3rd minute. Princeton responded through Daniel Ittycheria and Bardia Hormozi, who both tested the Harvard defense around the 8th minute mark. Ben Kelly received the game's first yellow card in the 6th minute for unsporting behavior, setting a tone for what would become a physical contest.
The second half intensity increased as both teams sought the advantage. Princeton's Kevin Kelley was cautioned for time-wasting in the 75th minute, while Bardia Hormozi received a yellow card in the 79th minute. Harvard mounted significant pressure late in the match, with Alejandro Palacio, Alexander Castel, and Ethan Veghte all recording shots in quick succession during the 88th minute, but couldn't find the equalizer.
The final statistics reflected the match's even nature, with both teams recording 15 shot attempts and 6 shots on goal. Princeton held a slight edge in saves (6-5), while corner kicks were even at 5 apiece. The disciplinary count saw Princeton receive three yellow cards to Harvard's two.
Bardia Hormozi was particularly active for Princeton, recording multiple shot attempts including a dangerous effort in the 82nd minute. Harvard's Andreas Savva proved threatening throughout, testing the Princeton defense with several attempts including a blocked shot in the 87th minute. Shane Lonergan's presence in midfield was notable before being substituted in the 70th minute.
The tactical battle saw Princeton effectively neutralize Harvard's attack through disciplined defensive positioning, particularly after taking the lead. Harvard's late-game strategy of pushing numbers forward nearly paid dividends but was ultimately thwarted by Princeton's organized defensive unit.
This victory maintains Princeton's impressive form, having won five straight matches and improving their conference record. For Harvard, the loss represents their first defeat in three matches, following a win against New Hampshire and a draw with Northeastern in their previous outings.
The match featured five substitutions by Princeton and eight by Harvard as both teams sought to maintain intensity throughout the ninety minutes. The Tigers' defensive resilience proved decisive, particularly in weathering Harvard's late surge that included three shots in the final minutes.
Looking ahead, Princeton will aim to extend their winning streak when they travel to Army West Point on September 30th. Harvard looks to bounce back in their next fixture, hosting Boston University on the same date.