Sparse offense and strong defense. That's been the story for the Harvard women's soccer team this season, and it held true yesterday afternoon in New Haven, Conn.

The Crimson (5-7-1 overall, 4-1 Ivy) could only break through once against Yale (3-10 overall, 1-5 Ivy), but that was all it needed to top the Elis, 1-0. A win over Princeton in its final Ivy game Saturday in Princeton, N.J. and a Columbia victory against or tie with Brown earns Harvard the Ivy title.

Quick to Score, Lookin' for More

The Crimson got on the board quickly, scoring its lone tally 3:39 into the game. Off a direct kick from the top of the penalty box, junior midfielder Tracy Hackeling blasted a shot just over the outstretched arms of Yale freshman goalkeeper Tina Pihl.

Despite scoring only one goal, the Crimson dominated the offensive play, keeping the ball in the Yale backfield.

"The opportunities were there," Hackeling said. "We just have to start finding the net."

Timely offense was bolstered by a strong defense, which was able to hold off several late threats by the Elis. Junior netminder Beth Reilly notched another outstanding performance, blanking the Elis for her fourth shutout of the season.

"[Yale has] good forwards that are physical and we held them," senior back Andrea Montalbano said.

"The defense was tenacious," junior back Sue Carls added. "We basically shut them down. They had only about two or three serious opportunities."

THE NOTEBOOK: Although the odds of a Columbia victory over Brown are slim (The Crimson beat Columbia, 6-0, September 16 and lost to the Bruins, 1-0, in overtime September 29), the Princeton game is still a very big one for Harvard. "A win would be a nice way to end the season for the seniors," Reilly said. "It would be a good carry-over to next year."..Junior stopper Tara Weinstock added, "It's a matter of pride. We really want to go out there to beat Princeton."

Crimson, 1-0 at New Haven, Conn. HARVARD  1-0--1 Yale  0-0--0

Goals--H, Tracy Hackeling, 41:21.

Saves--H, Beth Reilly 12; Y, Tina Pihl 10.

Shots--Harvard 12, Yale 12.

Cornerkicks--Harvard 1, Yale 2.