Men's Soccer Picks Up Fourth Ivy Victory over Dartmouth

Confusion, rather than skill and luck, from both sides of the ball was the main factor that dictated the outcome of Saturday’s soccer match between Harvard and Dartmouth.

In the 41st minute, a non-call by the referee allowed Big Green goalie James Hickock to gain control of the ball. Instead of kicking the ball out, Hickock instead let the ball sit as vehement arguing from the two sides essentially stopped play. Senior forward Pascal Mensah was the only player on the field who seemed to realize that the ball was still live, and he quickly ran towards the ball. He swiftly maneuvered the ball away from the diving Hickock and was able to walk the ball into the goal, which proved to be the difference maker in the Crimson’s (5-7-2, 4-1-0 Ivy) 2-1 victory over Dartmouth (5-6-4, 0-5 Ivy).

Harvard’s first goal also came in the first half, as sophomore midfielder Andrew Chang was able to control a rebound at the top of the box and send a strike just over Hickock’s outstretched arm, narrowly missing the top of the goal post.

Although the Big Green was unable to score in the first half, they also had numerous opportunities. In the 23rd minute, sophomore Crimson goalie Evan Mendez came out of the box to head an incoming ball to one of his defenders. A Dartmouth player was able to intercept the ball and take a shot on goal that just missed high while Mendez scurried back to the goal.

The second half of the match was a far different story, as Harvard weathered several Dartmouth attacks as it attempted to hold on to its lead. The Crimson’s defensive mindset reduced the number of attacking opportunities they had, which factored into why they were scoreless for the second half of the game.

In the 82nd minute, the Big Green’s attacks finally led to a goal, as junior midfielder Gabe Stauer was able to head in a goal off of a free kick to get his team onto the scoreboard.

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