Columbia scored twice from corner kicks in the final 22 minutes to hand Cornell a 2-1 loss in Saturday’s Ivy League opener at Berman Field.
Cornell struck first in the 12th minute when senior defender Gaby Gonzalez headed home a corner from senior midfielder Mariana Kessinger, her first goal since 2022. The Big Red appeared to double the lead moments later on a rebound finish from junior Brooke Brown, but the goal was overturned for offside.
The Lions equalized in the 69th minute when Maia Beltran headed in a near-post corner from Maia Tabion. Cornell blocked several late attempts to preserve the tie, but Columbia broke through again with just 28 seconds left as Dema Elder nodded in another Tabion corner for the game-winner.
The Big Red drops to 2-3-4 (0-1 Ivy) while Columbia improves to 3-4-2 (1-0 Ivy).
Cornell travels to Yale next Saturday for a 6 p.m. kickoff at Reese Stadium.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].