Tigers Defeat Harvard in Ivy League Opener, 2-0

Saturday, September 28

Princeton, N.J.

4:00 PM

Princeton University

3-3-0, 1-0-0

Harvard

0-3-3, 0-1-0

Harvard

Princeton

Photo by: Sideline Photos, LLC

September 28, 2024 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PRINCETON, N.J. – After a second-minute goal by Daniel Ittycheria and Will Francis's second goal of the season, Princeton won its Ivy League opener against Harvard on Saturday night in Princeton. With the win, Princeton improves to 1-0 in conference play and 3-3 overall, while the Crimson falls to 0-3-3 on the season and 0-1 in the league.

"The first Ivy League game is always a battle, so to see the guys come out with such energy and get the result today was great. I think it was the best start to a game we've had so far; we came out ready to play and we were able to control a lot of the game, obviously starting with that early goal from Danny. Harvard had some dangerous moments, but Khamari came up with the saves, and it was important for him to get his first clean sheet. And for the team, with all of the injuries we've had, seeing the team adapt and pull through for each other has been critical. Obviously our goal-scorers, Danny and Will, and Khamari, Giuliano - they all had great days today. Overall, I'm really proud of the effort from the team today and hope we can take some confidence from this heading into the rest of the season." - Head Coach Jim Barlow

HOW IT HAPPENED
Just 90 seconds into the match, Ittycheria found a through ball and rocketed it into the back of the net to put the Tigers up 1-0 before Harvard had a chance to settle into the game.

From there, the Tigers maintained control of the match, continuing to press and generate chances with Jack Jasinski and Francis each sending in shots that ricocheted off the posts.

Another chance came in the 21st minute, with Kevin Kelley taking a shot that deflected back to Gabe Duchovny, who sent the ball in on-target to force a save by the Crimson keeper Lucian Wood.

Wood was called on again just two minutes later, with a shot by Liam Beckwith getting stopped by the keeper's gloves.

The Tigers continued to pepper Harvard with shots, registering five on goal and 10 total to the Crimson's four in the first half. Still, Princeton could not add another, letting the 1-0 score stand at after 45.

Coming out of the half, Harvard picked up the momentum, forcing a jumping save by Khamari Hadaway to push the ball over the crossbar and keep it from going into the net.

Back on offense, the Tigers continued searching for another goal, earning three free kicks and a corner between the 64th and 67th minutes in an increasingly-physical game.

In the 73rd minute, Will Francis found the ball at his feet and made a run into the box, weaving around several Crimson defenders and chipping the ball past keeper Wood, doubling the Tiger lead and bringing the score to 2-0.

Throughout the remainder of the 90 minutes, Princeton continued attacking, largely controlling possession while fending off several dangerous counterattacks by Harvard. Ultimately, the clock run out as the 2-0 score stood final, securing the Tiger victory.

Of Note

Ittycheria's goal was his fourth of the season. He leads the Tigers in scoring and points.
Francis's goal was his second of the season.
Hadaway registered two saves in the match, recording his first shutout of the season.
Princeton outshot Harvard 20 to seven, with 11 on goal.

UP NEXT
Princeton will take on Monmouth on Tuesday night at home again in Roberts Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.