No. 24 Harvard scored three times in the second half to pull away from Cornell women’s soccer and hand the Big Red a 4-1 loss Saturday afternoon at Jordan Field.
Cornell fell to 4-4-2 overall and 1-1 in Ivy League play, while Harvard improved to 8-2-1 and 2-0 in conference action.
Harvard opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Brooke Huleatt finished a chance from close range after Jasmine Leshnick sent the ball into the attacking third. The goal ended Cornell’s shutout streak at 197 minutes and 56 seconds.
The Big Red responded quickly. Amanda Polyniak’s throw-in helped create the chance, with Jessica Alessi sending a cross into the box that Alanna Colbert headed past Harvard goalkeeper Olivia Busby in the 21st minute.
Sofia Kerrigan kept Cornell level heading into halftime, making four saves during the opening 45 minutes. Harvard controlled possession and chances early, outshooting Cornell 9-3 before the break.
Harvard regained the lead five minutes into the second half when Ólöf Kristinsdóttir scored from just outside the penalty area. The Crimson then added two goals in a span of just 1 minute and 34 seconds.
Anna Rayhill scored in the 64th minute after Kerrigan stopped an initial attempt from Lou Ruffien, and Huleatt added her second goal of the afternoon less than two minutes later to make it 4-1.
Kerrigan finished with five saves, while Colbert led Cornell with three shots, all on target. Harvard held a 15-6 advantage in shots and a 9-3 edge in shots on goal.
Cornell returns to action Saturday, October 10, against Columbia in New York City. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.