CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts - Vermont and Harvard played to a 0-0 draw on Tuesday evening in a tightly contested non-conference match at Jordan Field. The result extended Vermont's unbeaten streak to 13 matches while Harvard earned their fourth draw of the season.
In a match where scoring chances came at a premium, both defenses stood firm throughout the full 90 minutes. Neither team was able to find the breakthrough despite generating several promising opportunities, with both goalkeepers making crucial interventions when called upon.
The first half saw Harvard create the more dangerous chances early. Ben Kelly tested the Vermont defense in the 3rd minute with a shot that drifted wide left. Andreas Savva followed with a blocked effort in the 17th minute, while Alejandro Palacio's attempt in the same minute sailed high. Vermont gradually worked their way into the match, with David Ismail forcing a save with a well-struck shot in the 25th minute.
The second half featured increased intensity from both sides. Vermont's Marcos Blasco Devesa received a yellow card in the 75th minute for an aggressive challenge, while Harvard's defensive unit, anchored by Rustin Khosravi who was cautioned in the 87th minute, maintained their disciplined shape. Andreas Savva had Harvard's best chance of the half in the 81st minute, but his strike missed left. Xavier Tanyi's 84th minute attempt for Harvard sailed high and wide, representing the final clear opportunity of the match.
The statistical breakdown reflected the evening's defensive nature. Both teams recorded nine shot attempts with one on target apiece. Vermont held a significant 7-2 advantage in corner kicks, though they were unable to capitalize on these set-piece opportunities. The physical nature of the match was evident in the card count, with Harvard receiving three yellow cards (Adam Poliakov, Marcos Ojea Quintana, and Rustin Khosravi) to Vermont's one (Marcos Blasco Devesa).
Several players stood out individually despite the lack of scoring. Vermont's Philipp Kuehn was particularly active in the attacking third before being substituted in the 46th minute. For Harvard, Andreas Savva created multiple dangerous opportunities, while defender Rustin Khosravi anchored the backline effectively before his late caution. Marcell Papp showed good vision in midfield for Vermont until his 69th minute substitution.
Tactically, both teams demonstrated well-organized defensive structures that proved difficult to break down. Vermont's high press forced several turnovers in dangerous areas, while Harvard's compact defensive shape limited space between the lines. The teams combined for strategic substitutions throughout the second half, with both coaches utilizing their benches to maintain defensive intensity.
The draw maintains Vermont's impressive unbeaten run, moving their record to 8-0-4 on the season. For Harvard (3-4-3), the clean sheet represents a positive defensive performance against one of the region's top teams. Both squads showed why they've been difficult to break down this season, with organized defensive units frustrating opposing attackers throughout the match.
Looking ahead, both teams return to conference play this weekend. Vermont (8-0-4) hosts UMass Lowell on Saturday at 6:00 PM, while Harvard (3-4-3) welcomes Yale for an Ivy League clash on Saturday at 7:00 PM. The defensive prowess displayed by both sides in this match should serve them well as they return to their respective conference schedules.