NEW YORK--In their first Ivy League contest, the Crimson soccer team will face perennial last place finisher Columbia today.

The Lions were beaten 3-0 by last year's Crimson squad. Only last week, after a 1-1 tie with Princeton, was the Lions' 16 game Ivy League losing streak broken.

Columbia coach John Renie said he considers the two teams even, although he has only two returning starters.

Renie said the Lions play out of a 4-3-3 formation anchored by Gus Sarris at the center halfback position.

New Folds

Crimson mentor George Ford announced last night some new folds in his game plan. Harvard will continue with the 3-3-4, but Geoffrey Hargadon will move to the left fullback slot while its previous occupant, Steve Mead, moves to right halfback.

Ford also said that Lyman Bullard, center halfback, who has been bothered with a slight knee injury, is in good shape for the game.

The Harvard coach, searching for the scoring punch, is playing Dave Acorn, with Mark Zimering in the center forward poistion.

Acorn replaces Eric Zager in the hope that his height--he is considerably taller than Zager--will give him an opportunity to head the ball into the net.

Ford said his players were spirited and jovial in practice here last night and that he expected a solid performance from his team.

Harvard takes it 1-1 record against Columbia's 0-2-2 hoping to mar Lion Homecoming hopes.