M. Soccer shocked by Crimson attack

The Penn men's soccer team was left in shock. The Quakers tossed pads and spikes aside like zombies. Some sat on Rhodes Field, staring into space. Harvard had defeated Penn 1-0 in overtime, and none of the Quakers knew quite why. "It's an upsetting loss," junior defender Matt Stern said. "We didn't control the midfield like we did against Columbia. We had our chances, but didn't get lucky." The game was hard fought, with neither team giving up many scoring opportunities. Several yellow cards were assessed to each team, including freshman defender Brad Copeland, junior midfielder Brendan Sullivan and assistant coach David Cardie for Penn. The Quakers (3-3, 1-2 Ivy League) suffered as deflections came out off posts and shots went wide. The coordinated passing and strong defense they used to upset nationally ranked Columbia had deserted them. "I feel like we had it," junior co-captain Steve Marcinkiewicz said. "We could have won, but we missed easy chances. They hurt." In the first overtime period, Penn seemed to have the upper hand against the Crimson (2-6, 2-1). Though the Quakers took more shots early, the long game took its toll. Forward Pat Larco earned a yellow card, then had to go to the sidelines after a collision with Harvard goaltender Peter Albers. Penn emerged for the second 15-minute overtime period a dispirited team. After being stifled by Albers, who stopped seven shots in the game, the Quakers' heads were down. The game came down to one play, a missed Penn defensive assignment in the box. Harvard junior midfielder Chris Wojick appeared to consider taking a shot himself, but instead heeled the ball back to a teammate. Penn junior goaltender Andrew Kralik was drawn off his line trying to field the pass. Sophomore forward Will Kohler put the ball home behind Kralik's back with 5:27 remaining in the second extra period. The Quakers are very familiar with Kohler. Many of them played against the Bala Cynwyd native during their club soccer careers. Before the game, Kohler was mentioned as Harvard's key offensive threat. "You can never underestimate anyone," Stern said. "I was completely aware of how tough this was going to be. Five of their starters played on my club team, so I know just how good they are." The Quakers had counted on their age and experience to lead them over the mostly sophomore Crimson. However, as the game dragged on, youthful exuberance took the upper hand. The Crimson took 18 shots on Kralik. "Harvard came out and fought really hard," Stern said. "The Ivy League produces rivalries no matter how good or bad a team is. Nothing can substitute for wanting to win." The coaching staff also gives credit where it is due -- to the Crimson. Said Penn coach George O'Neill: "The other team came to play and the other team won."