November 15, 2009
SEASON OVER
Penn edged by Harvard in season finale

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Harvard clinched the 2009 Ivy League regular-season title – and the Ivy League’s automatic berth in the NCAA Championship tournament -- with a 1-0 victory over Penn Sunday afternoon at Ohiri Field.

Richard Smith scored the game-winner in the 68th minute, tipping in a cross from Tim Linden for his first collegiate goal.

Despite a 5-1 disadvantage in shots and seven Harvard corner kicks, the Quaker defense held fast to keep the game scoreless through the first half. Rookie ‘keeper Garon Smith defused Harvard’s best chance to score, tipping Adam Rousmaniere’s shot over the bar.

With the game on the line, Harvard sophomore goalkeeper Austin Harms made a huge save on a point blank header in the 57th minute, and got some help from the woodwork when Michael Kozak’s shot went off the bar.

Harvard finished with 16 shots to the Quakers’ 11, and 10 of the 11 corner kicks awarded in the contest. Smith finished with four saves, to two for Harms.

Harvard wrapped the regular-season atop the Ivy League standings with a 5-1-1 record in the conference and a 13-3-1 overall mark. The Quakers dropped to 6-8-3 overall and 2-4-1, in league play, good for fifth in the standings.