3-2-1 … Lift-off!

Or at least that's what the men's soccer team hopes to do.

After beginning the season with three wins, two losses, and a tie, Harvard is poised to rocket to a strong finish and a possible chance at the Ivy League title--or self-destruct in a fiery explosion of mediocrity.

Essentially, the Crimson's season--and its aspirations for its first title since 1996--hinge on the next two weeks. Harvard is in the midst of a five-game homestand that will, in hackneyed terms, either make or break the young team's season.

Yesterday, Harvard got off to a good start by defeating the Northeastern Huskies 2-1 at rain-soaked Ohiri Field.

Interestingly, yesterday's win both showcased the ingredients of a recipe for continued success and evinced the possible elements that may eventually keep the Crimson from its preseason goal of an Ivy Championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Let's get the bad news out of the way first.

Yesterday's score was 2-1. The game was not that close. Harvard outshot Northeastern 24-11, had almost twice as many corner kicks, and generally had the better of the play. In fact, Northeastern's only goal was more the result of a Crimson defensive miscue than any brilliant play by the Huskies.