As if the season had not been haunting enough already, the Harvard men's soccer team's favorite referee--known simply as Roger--dressed in orange jersey and black shorts for the Crimson's Halloween match with Maine.

Unfortunately, the Crimson's season was not as bright as Roger's shirt.

"I'm not happy with our record," Coach Mike Getman said. "I am happy with the effort the team gave and the team attitude."

Granted, its record was nothing to write home about. The Crimson (6-7-1 overall, 3-4 Ivy) managed only 14 goals in 14 games while getting blanked five times. Harvard had to settle for a fifth place finish in the Ivy League.

But the Crimson did show moments of brilliance, most memorably Don Daigle's stunning goal that carried the Crimson past regional powerhouse Connecticut, 2-1.

And of course, those people sitting on the Harvard sideline almost got the chance to rumble with Huskies' Coach Joe Morone after he threw a fit in reaction to the taunting of a Harvard fan.

The Crimson did have its setbacks this season. Junior goalie Scott Salisbury went down with a season-ending ankle injury just 22 minutes in to the opener against Columbia.

Junior netminder Jamie Reilly, who was supposed to share the goaltending duties with Salisbury, was forced into full time service but filled in well, yielding just one-and-a-half goals per game.

But injuries were not the only obstacles Harvard had to overcome. The Crimson also had to suffer through some growing pains, carrying only senior--Captain John Shue.

"One thing we lacked this season was experience," Shue said. " And we got it."

Harvard was forced to learn the hard way this year. Short mental lapses often hurt the Crimson, and disappointing one-goal losses, particularly the 1-0 overtime defeat at the feet of class talented Boston College squad, dampened an already frustrating season.

But youth is on Harvard's side. Sophomore midfielder Juan Betancourt came into his own this season, leading the team with four goals and three assists. Classmate Jason Luzak (1 goal, 3 assists) blew by defenseman after defenseman and should provide a spark to the Crimson offense next season.

And Harvard has veteran talent, as well.

"We're going to be very strong next year," Getman said. "There will be 16 to 18 returning members, and we have experienced, solid players".

Green with Envy