At times, the Crimson seemed like they would only be content walking the ball into the net, often choosing to make an extra pass over taking a shot.

Having been on the attack for most of the game, Harvard’s worst fears were realized when Columbia grabbed the lead in the 66th minute. A counterattack on the left found the head of Lions’ sophomore Mike Mazzullo. The ball was in the air for an eternity before looping over a backpedaling Harms.

The Crimson almost made an immediate response, when freshman Richard Smith went over with a header off a free kick from senior Brian Grimm.

But Harvard’s offense continued to pressure. With 11 minutes to play in regulation, Grimm played a tremendous through ball to Rogers, who once again managed to find space behind the Columbia backline. Rogers took the pass in stride on the left, and launched a powerful left-footed strike that made ripples in the Lions’ net and in the conference standings.

“It was a dream come true,” Rogers said. “I guess I was just up for this game.”

The brilliant play of Rogers continued into overtime, and four-and-a-half minutes into the sudden death period, he helped set up the game-winner.

“It’s magical,” said Akpan, who also picked up an assist on Chi’s goal. “After last season we were heartbroken, and we knew we needed an Ivy League title, or else we’d be totally distraught.”

The disappointment of last year came when the Crimson dropped a 1-0 contest to Penn in the final game of the season, handing the Quakers the league crown. A year later, Harvard finds itself in the same position—needing a win against Penn to clinch the title.

“We’ve got bitter, bitter memories from last year, and we remember it well,” Clark said.

“It’s everything, it’s the whole season,” Akpan said. “It’s revenge for last season, our last home game for the seniors, everyone’s going to be there, so you couldn’t ask for a better environment or a better reason to get up for a title game.”

—Staff writer Jay M. Cohen can be reached at jaycohen@fas.harvard.edu.