Physical play and solid defending have been the Boston College trademarks this season. With a team defense that ranks 10th nationally in goals against average, the Eagles have consistently kept opposing attacks at bay.

The strength of this defensive unit, anchored by Hamblin in net, will provide Harvard with a fierce test.

Although they own a respectable 3-2-1 record, the Crimson could be two wins richer. Both a disappointing 2-2 draw with Boston University at the Dartmouth Invitational on September 17, and a well-fought 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Brown Bears last Sunday could have been victories had the ball bounced differently once or twice.

For a Crimson squad that has had difficulty converting scoring opportunities, solving the Boston College defense will be an entire team effort.

The Crimson attack, which has focused primarily upon putting the ball at the feet of playmaker and captain Ryan Kelly, will need to diversify its look and adopt the well-known Dutch tactic of whole team attacking and defending.

"It will take all ten of us [field players] moving up and back," Lobach said, who, as sweeper, is the last man on the defensive unit before the goalkeeper. "We worked on this in practice and made some changes."

These tactical adjustments should not be difficult for second-year head coach John Kerr's team to implement. For a Crimson team that features a deep roster laden with young talent eager to prove themselves, hustle and aggression, two major facets of "whole field soccer," should not be difficult to come by.