Harvard started out the contest with a more aggressive approach to the game than it did against the Bears, moving up freshman forward Michael Fucito to the front line with Altchek and sophomore Matt Hoff in the first half.

But the situation also left the Crimson more vulnerable to counterattacks, which the Tigers took strong advantage of. Further hindering the Crimsons defensive efforts was the absence of senior defender Jason Andersen, who aggravated his right toe in practice on Friday. Senior defender Zach Chandis started in his place, and Kerr said he was unsure if Andersen would return for tomorrows game against Providence.

Harvard also had a difficult time moving the ball upfield, and often lost equal opportunities near midfield if Altchek wasnt able to get his head on it and redirect it to a teammate.

Our clearances arent as strong as Id like them to be, Kerr said. Its like giving them a rebound in basketball.

Still, Harvard is in good shape for the rest of the Ivy season, following Penns 1-0 loss to Yale Saturday. The Quakers and Princeton had been tied for first, but their first league losses now put Dartmouth, the Crimson and the Bulldogs in a three-way tie for first, though Harvard has the most overall wins. The Crimson will look to improve on that overall record tomorrow against a struggling Friars team (0-13) before heading up to Hanover on Sunday in a pivotal game against the Big Green (4-1-6, 2-0-2).

—Staff writer Evan R. Johnson can be reached at erjohns@fas.harvard.edu.