Freshman Soccer Shuts Out MIT 3-0

The twenty odd members of the freshman soccer team passed their first Harvard test with flying colors in a 3-0 shutout of MIT at this afternoon's season opener on the Business School Field.

In a strong team effort, the Crimson out-hustled and out-executed the larger but slower Engineers, creating one scoring opportunity after another. Morgan Belford notched the class of '84's first goal in a fashion indicative of Harvard's total domination.

Ten minutes into the game, Belford intercepted an inbounds pass, outmaneuvered the beaten fullback, and acced a 25-yard shot over the outstretched hands of MIT goalie Eric Seegon.

With tight defense and accurate passing at midfield, Harvard controlled play for most of the first half and outshot the Engineers, 8-1, but did not score again.

The Crimson resumed the relentless pressure as the second half opened, with Chris Harvey hitting the crossbar off a direct kick and another shot just missing wide right following a two-on-one breakaway. At 23:35, Ted Widmere knocked home goal number two after a quick give-and-go play with Harvey.

Then came the saga of John Bailyn. Twice the left wing penetrated the MIT defense and guided the ball into the twines. And twice offsides violations nullified the Bailyn tallies. But the yardling still had a little left. With ten seconds remaining, he streaked down the field on a breakaway, faked right, and beat Seegon on the left side to complete the scoring.

Although he was only tested a handful of times, goalie Phil Coogan displayed good range, a strong foot, and a composed attitude. Assistant Varsity Coach Mike Charpentier, who scouted the game for young Crimson talent, had to be pleased with what he saw.