In the second quarter, Harvard tied the game at two with a goal from Lynch.

The Crimson had failed to take advantage of the first scoring opportunity it was given when Jacobs was sidelined for an MIT penalty.

Harvard did not repeat its mistake when Engineer Kevin Amendt was ejected with 4:13 left in the half. Just 11 seconds later, Lynch fired the ball into the back of the net past the MIT goalie.

But the Engineers answered with a goal of their own to regain the lead before halftime.

One piece of good news for the Crimson was Burmeister’s return. He had been sidelined with a stress fracture in his shin, but was effective in his first game back and held off the strong MIT offense well.

All signs of injury are gone and Burmeister said he feels no pain while in the water.

In addition to being Harvard’s first home game of the season. Friday’s rematch is a league contest, meaning there is more at stake for the Crimson than just earning its second win.

After Friday’s performance, Harvard is confident it can beat the Engineers.

“That was probably one of the best, if not the best, games we have played this season,” Burmeister said. “I definitely think that when we play MIT again, the outcome will be different.”