Crimson Stretches Unbeaten Streak But Settles for Tie

And the unbeaten streak goes on.

At Fairfield Tuesday night, Harvard’s women’s soccer team played through two overtimes to a score of 0-0, now making it six straight games without suffering a defeat. The game against the Stags, on an eight-game unbeaten streak of their own, was also the second consecutive double-overtime tie for the Crimson, which has never lost to Fairfield in five head-to-head matchups.

“It was a rough night for us,” coach Ray Leone said. “We were fortunate to tie.”

The first half was certainly a test for Harvard, which faced 11 shots on goal while managing only four of its own.

Three of the Crimson’s attempts were amassed during the last 2:46 of the first half, but sophomore Katherine Sheeleigh and freshman Melanie Baskind both missed high, while freshman Patricia Yau’s shot went wide with 21 seconds to go.

“Offensively, we’re still finding our rhythm,” captain Nicole Rhodes said. “[Defense] continues to be our strength.”

Leone attributed the troubles on offense to struggles in ball possession, something he mentioned after the team’s tie with Boston College as well.

According to Leone, “a lot of good pressure on the ball from [Fairfield]” led to Harvard rushing its possessions.

Junior Laura Dale played goalkeeper in place of All-Ivy teammate Lauren Mann, notching 12 saves, three of which came in overtime play.

“[She] played a great game,” Rhodes said.

“Our goalkeeping was excellent,” Leone added.

As time ticked down in the second half, the Stags had their two best opportunities to end the game with a win. Near the end of regulation a ball across the crease went untouched, and following the start of overtime Dale saved a header attempt by Fairfield point leader Ahna Johnson.

The chances of the second overtime belonged to the Crimson, outshooting the Stags six to one. Harvard failed to convert on an empty crease after Fairfield keeper Kelly Boudreau stumbled over a player outside the box. Back-to-back corners were also cleared away safely.

The Stags defense withstood a Sheeleigh free kick with 2:34 remaining in the second overtime to maintain the draw.

Carrying 0.45 goals-against average in 200 minutes played, Dale has now stopped 21 of 22 shots faced this season.

Leone was quick to establish that there is no need to worry—“Lauren Mann is fine.”

The Fairfield game was an opportunity to keep Mann fresh and rested.

Citing the Stags’ advantage in scoring chances, Leone was pleased with his team’s ability to stay in the game.

“They played very well and really dominated the field of play. The second half, we did much better. It was a tough game for us,” Leone said. “[This type of game] keeps you on your edge, which you will need as you go into Ivy League play.”

With that Harvard must look ahead to Saturday, when it tries to extend its unbeaten streak.

The Crimson will begin Ivy League competition against defending champion Penn.

“They’re going to be quite a challenge for us. They return every player basically; they’re playing at home; it’s the opener,” Leone said. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us, but we’ve got to focus on our play.”