The stakes are high.

The similarities are striking.

And for both teams, a win on Sunday could provide the momentum and ranking necessary for an NCAA run later in the season.

Indeed, it is still early in the season, but when the men's soccer team hosts Boston College this Sunday at 1pm at Ohiri Field, there will be more on the line than just local bragging rights.

"This game is huge for us," said sophomore sweeper Mike Lobach. "Its almost as big a game as an Ivy League [game], and will set the tone for the rest of our season."

Both Harvard (3-2-1) and Boston College (5-2) find themselves on the verge of breakthrough seasons. With the Eagles currently ranked eighth in the New England region and the Crimson close behind at No. 10, Sunday's non-conference match will have considerable implications in the regional picture.

After a five-win campaign in 1999, Boston College has benefited from the emergence of a solid young core of players. Led by sophomore forward Casey Schmidt, who has already notched game-winning goals against Providence and Seton Hall, and senior goalkeeper Chris Hamblin, who ranks 16th in the nation with a .68 goals against average, the Eagles have already matched their win total from a year ago.

Even more significant for head coach Ed Kelly has been the success of his team in Big East play. Aside from a 1-0 setback to Rutgers on September 22, the Eagles have soared through conference play, shutting out Notre Dame and Villanova, in addition to Providence and Seton Hall.