ITHACA, NEW YORK - Princeton continued their dominant season with a 2-0 victory over Cornell on Saturday at Berman Field, extending their winning streak to eight matches. The Tigers (9-1-0) controlled the tempo throughout, handing Cornell (7-2-1) just their second loss of the season.
Kristian Kelley opened the scoring for Princeton in the 8th minute, converting an assist from Liam Beckwith. Daniel Ittycheria doubled the Tigers' advantage in the 28th minute, securing what would prove to be the final margin of victory.
The first half showcased Princeton's attacking prowess, with Daniel Ittycheria testing Cornell's defense repeatedly. The Tigers generated multiple chances, including near misses from Jack Jasinski in the 6th minute and Bardia Hormozi in the 8th minute. Cornell's Giorgos Diakos responded with two dangerous attempts in the 14th and 16th minutes, but couldn't find the target.
Second half action saw Princeton maintain their defensive organization while continuing to threaten on the counter. Tyler Vilet and Sam Vigilante each created scoring opportunities, while Cornell's Sam Latona and Daniel Samways pressed forward in search of a breakthrough. The match's intensity peaked with yellow cards shown to Cornell's Connor Miller (82nd minute) and Princeton's Bardia Hormozi (85th minute).
The statistical breakdown heavily favored Princeton, who outshot Cornell 19-13, though the Big Red managed more shots on target (7-3). The Tigers earned five corner kicks to Cornell's four, while both teams demonstrated physical play resulting in multiple cautions - two yellow cards for Princeton and three for Cornell.
Daniel Ittycheria proved instrumental for Princeton with four shot attempts before being substituted in the 81st minute. Cornell's Giorgos Diakos showed persistence with multiple attempts on goal, while Sam Latona provided creative spark in the attacking third. Defensive standout Jack Hunt anchored Princeton's backline, helping secure their eighth consecutive victory.
Princeton's tactical approach emphasized quick transitions and wing play, with Kristian Kelley and Bardia Hormozi exploiting space behind Cornell's fullbacks. The Big Red attempted to counter through the middle, with Andrew Johnson and Dominik Kolbl orchestrating their attack, but struggled to break through Princeton's organized defensive structure.
The victory reinforces Princeton's position as a conference powerhouse, having now won nine of their first ten matches. Cornell's strong start to the season hit a bump, though their seven wins still demonstrate their competitive quality. The match highlighted Princeton's ability to control tempo and finish chances, while Cornell showed moments of promise despite the setback.
Both teams face quick turnarounds with midweek matches. Princeton travels to James Madison on October 14, looking to extend their winning streak to nine games. Cornell hosts Colgate the same evening, seeking to bounce back from just their second defeat of the campaign.
The match officials maintained control throughout a physical contest that featured 27 fouls and five yellow cards. Princeton's disciplined performance, anchored by their early goals and strong defensive shape, proved decisive in securing all three points on the road.