M. Soccer Red Hot, Ready For Eagles

The Harvard men's soccer team hosts Boston College today at 3:30 p.m. on Ohiri Field.

Shedding the shame of last year's disappointing season, the Crimson is on a tear, punishing opponents indiscriminately.

Harvard (6-1, 3-1 Ivy) is coming off three straight shutouts, blanking both Central Connecticut and Lafayette 3-0 and then disposing of Pennsylvania 2-0.

In fact, no opponent has scored against Harvard all month, and the team's winning streak stands at six after an opening loss to nationally ranked Cornell.

This series of three shutouts and six victories represents Harvard's most successful span since 1987, when the team finished at 14-1-3 and went to the NCAA semifinals.

Seven games into the season, the Crimson has equaled its win total of last year, and as a result of recent success is ranked twentieth in the nation.

"Our confidence is up," sophomore Armando Petruccelli said. "Winning has become contagious."

The general feeling in the team is that a continuing of play on this level can only lead to more victories.

"Basically, there is a better feeling in the team," sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Dupius said. "Everyone has greater expectations because of that."

Last weekend saw Boston College tie a typically dominant Seton Hall, fielding a strong squad with many European players.

To defeat the Eagles, the Crimson will need to sustain its superb goaltending and find scoring opportunities for its potent offense.

Finding the back of the net often for Harvard have been junior Tom McLaughlin and senior Rich Wilmot, both tied for the league lead in Ivy League scoring.

Stopping the ball on the other end has been Dupuis, ranked second in the League in goalkeeping and first in save percentage (0.886).

Part of a goalkeeper's success should be attributed to the other 10 men on the field, especially those on defense.

"Our defensive unit has played a lot more consistently than last year," Dupuis added.

Just in time to face four tough non-league games marking the middle of the Harvard season.

Harvard sits in second place in the Ivy standings this week behind leader Cornell (2-0-1).

This season's play and the slim lead of Cornell have given Harvard three objectives for the rest of this season.

"First we want to win the Ivy League, then make the NCAA tournament, finally winning the tournament," Petruccelli said.