The No. 20 Cornell men’s soccer team advanced to its first Ivy League Championship match with a 1-0 semifinal win over Penn on Thursday at Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium. The Big Red improved to 13-2-2 behind a strong defensive effort and a decisive first-half strike.
Cornell generated early pressure, earning the first corner of the match and testing Penn goalkeeper Nick Falcon III with shots from Emmanuel Hovan and Max Johnson. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Adam Schaban sprung Sergio Zapata down the right side, and the junior converted the opportunity for the lone goal of the afternoon.
The Big Red nearly doubled the lead eight minutes later when Schaban’s attempt in front was blocked and rebounded to Noah Martin, whose shot caromed off the right post. Cornell continued to dictate play through the opening 45 minutes, limiting the Quakers to a single shot on target, which goalkeeper Ryan Friedberg handled cleanly.
The second half featured controlled possession and composed defending from Cornell as Penn pushed forward in search of an equalizer. The Quakers produced four shots after the break, but none threatened Friedberg, who secured his ninth shutout of the season.
Cornell will face the winner of Princeton vs. Harvard on Sunday, November 20 at 11 a.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.