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M. Soccer Loses in Overtime Against Big Red Squad, 1-0

Loss Drops Crimson to 1-1 in Ivies, Trail Unbeaten Brown

A single goal was the only scoring in the Harvard men's soccer team's 1-0 overtime loss to Cornell Sunday.

The loss in Ithaca was marked by several key injuries and the ejection of junior star fullback will Kohler.

Kohler received two yellow cards early in the second half, which resulted in his automatic ejection.

"[The ejection] really ruined the game for us," Kohler said. "With those types of conditions, when you're down a man, it makes it much harder."

The game was played on a hard field and in stiff wind--conditions that made it difficult for the Crimson to play its usual passing-oriented, ball-control style.

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"It was pretty ugly soccer," Kohler said. "This game just kind of dragged on."

The lone goal, which came with about ten minutes remaining in the second overtime, came on a free kick by Cornell's John Bernard from just outside the Crimson's 18-yard line.

The Crimson defenders failed to block shot, and the ball found its way past junior goalie peter Albers.

The goal marred what was otherwise a stellar performance by Albers and the Crimson defense, which has been plagued by key injuries.

Junior John Vrionis, one of the team's defensive staples, may be out three weeks with an ankle sprain. Freshman defenseman Lee Williams suffered a knee injury during the game, and junior midfielder Kevin Silva is out for the season.

Albers himself played with a broken finger.

"We have some bumps and bruises," Albers said. "We could definitely use some time to heal, but our schedule doesn't afford us that."

The team does not expect any further disciplinary action against Kohler, because neither of his individual offenses were red-card offenses.

The first yellow card came after Kohler and a Cornell player got tangled up after a Cornell tackle. The second card came just one minute later after Kohler hit the hand of an opposing player who was allegedly grabbing Kohler's shorts.

"I just let my temper get the better of me," Kohler said. "It was pretty immature."

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