Massachusetts Upends W. Booters, 2-0, in Bay State Grudge March

The Harvard women's soccer team traveled to the University of Massachusetts and played like they were missing a spark plug, eventually losing 2-0.

Sometimes losses are good things. Sometimes they are bad. But this one was kind of wishy-washy.

"We lacked a little bit of fire," said Coach Tim Wheaton. "We played okay, no great and not poorly. They didn't dominate us, but it wasn't really even. There were no extremes.

Junior midfielder Laura Flynn said she was "disappointed" by the game.

"We didn't come together as well as we could have," Flynn said. "We could have played better."

For Massachusetts, the win was payback for the Crimson's thrilling 1-0 upset of the Minute-women last year at Ohiri Field, a win which established the Crimson as a power on the regional scene.

Wheaton speculated that his team might be looking to this weekend's matchup with Ivy League arch-enemy Brown. The Bears defeated the Crimson 3-0 last year in an emotional game.

"They are young. they're a physical team, and they play with emotion. It's gonna be a great game," Wheaton predicted.

It should be, unless the Crimson can't find its fire. In that case, even AC-Delco sparkplugs won't be able to help.