Harvard Gains Boost From Win Over Maine

After losing its first Ancient Eight conference game 1-0 last Saturday to Dartmouth, the Harvard men’s soccer team looked to rebound from the heartbreaking loss.

Even with senior All-American forward and co-captain Mike Fucito out with a hip injury, the Crimson (10-4) found just the right cure by decisively defeating and shutting out a struggling Maine soccer team (5-10-2) 2-0 yesterday in Orono, Maine.

“To show that we could win without him really boosted our confidence,” co-captain Luke Sager said.

While this nonconference victory may not have an impact on the Ancient Eight championship race, it has nonetheless instilled confidence back into the players as Harvard enters the homestretch of the season.

“[Dartmouth] was a game that we should’ve won,” freshman goalie Austin Harms said. “But you should never take it apart on yourself. We put the loss behind us and never looked back.”

“You lose games; that’s just a reality, but no one was really too bummed about it,” Sager added. “We realize that if we win out, we win the Ivy League. We still hold our destiny.”

Regardless, Harvard came out ready to play, as there appeared to be no lack of motivation among the players. The Crimson controlled play early on and was especially potent offensively.

“Though we didn’t have a ton of time to work in practice, we were definitely prepared,” Sager said. “We just watched a lot of film.”

In the first half alone, Harvard out-shot its opponent 11-1 taking advantage on opportunities provided by corner kicks and free kicks. By game’s end, the Crimson would hold a 20-8 shot advantage.

“We played a really tough game against Maine,” Sager said. “What gave us victory, I think, was the fact that we were especially good on set pieces.”

Despite 10 unsuccessful attempts at the goal, including a blocked shot and a save by Maine goalie Nemanja Kostic, freshman Baba Omosegbon finally scored the first point of the match at 39:48, hauling in a beautiful pass from junior Andre Akpan.

It was a game for the record books for Akpan, as the record-tying assist to Omosegbon gave Akpan a share of Harvard’s career assist record.

Not only was Akpan a field general, directing plays on the field and dishing out the ball for others to score, but he also managed to score a goal of his own. With an assist from senior John Stamatis, Akpan sent the ball soaring into the net at 49:32, solidifying the Crimson lead at 2-0.

As a result, Akpan’s 33rd score of his collegiate career moved him into third place on the all-time goal list. With two games remaining in the season, Akpan, who has 92 career points—two shy of the career record—has a legitimate chance of becoming one of the most productive players in the program.

“Akpan has great footwork and he’s always strong on the ball,” Harms said. “He always knows where he needs to be on the field. He’s one of the core players on our team, who has support and really works hard.”

Even with a 2-0 lead, the Crimson would not let up. Freshman Tim Linden and Akpan continued to threaten the Black Bear defense, but ended up with their shots at the goal blocked. And while Maine managed seven attempted shots in the second half, the Crimson defense was stingy in not allowing a goal scored on them.

Harms once again had a phenomenal game, recording his sixth shutout so far this season.

“As a rookie, I know that there’s an expectation for me to step up and perform,” Harms said. “I know that I have to work and train hard.”

With the Ivy championship within reach, the Crimson understands the task that remains ahead. A dangerous Columbia team will try to dash Harvard’s hopes this Saturday in the Crimson’s final home game of the season.

“We’re confident in the way we play,” Harms said. “But it’s all about who shows up to play on game day, so we really have to be careful and mentally prepared.”