The Glory of Locker-Soccer Continues: Shutout of UNH

When the Harvard men's soccer team began its season with three dramatic wins, everyone knew that it couldn't last.

And everyone was right. The fourth win wasn't dramatic.

Yesterday Harvard glided to an easy 2-0 victory over New Hampshire at Ohiri Field.

Theatrics aside, Harvard is still undefeated in the joyous epoch of Locker-soccer, named after the team's new coach Steve Locker.

Playing in weather more appropriate for skiing than for soccer, the Crimson (4-0-0 overall, 2-0-0 Ivy) dominated the Wildcats (3-3-1, 2-1-0 NAC) to maintain the team's perfect record.

Both Crimson goals came during the first half in which the ball left Harvard's offensive end on barely a handful of occasions. The Wildcat midfield was no match for the Crimson corps led by strong performances from Captain Jason Luzak and juniors Joe Bradley and Ping Li.

Senior Juan Betancourt became the latest offensive star for Harvard. Betancourt had a hand in both scores yesterday assisting on the first tally by sophomore Tom Marcotullio and netting Harvard's second goal.

During the second half, Harvard's attack cooled and everyone concerned seemed to be thinking more about central heating than soccer.

"I thought we played pretty good soccer in the first half," Betancourt said. "In the second half, we kind of fell apart."

Locker, CEO of Locker-soccer, was not very impressed by his team yesterday.

"It was a very average performance," Locker said. "[Going into the game] I was afraid that the guys would relax and pick up some bad habits, and they did."

Those bad habits, according to Locker, included some loose defense and some sloppy passes.

"It was a win, though, and we'll take it," the coach said.

Locker used the team's two goal cushion to give a few reserve players a little time on the field.

Freshman Ned Carlson made his Harvard debut in goal, replacing senior Scott Salisbury for the second half of the game.

The towering freshman (he's 6'5") looked a little shaky at first, but settled down to record four saves and preserve the shutout.

New Hampshire may not have been very talented, but the team was physical. Harvard lost its recent scoring star Derek Swaim after he collided with an overzealous Wildcat only a minute into yesterday's game. Swaim suffered a bruised right shin and had to leave the game.

After the game, Swaim said he'd be back in time for Saturday's game against Hartwick.

HARVARD, 2-0 at Ohiri Field UNH  0  0  --  0 Harvard  2  0  --  2

G: UNH--None; Harvard--T. Marcotullio, J. Betancourt. A: UNH--None. Harvard--J. Betancourt. S: UNH--A. Agrodina, 3; Harvard--S. Salisbury 2; N. Carlson 4.