As the match progressed past regulation time and into overtime, the Crimson continued its relentless search for the golden goal by out-shooting Dartmouth, 5-2, in the two overtime periods. But despite Harvard’s offensive pressure, Cohen and the Big Green back line held on to deny the Crimson of its first victory since mid-September.

For the match, the Crimson out-shot Dartmouth, 17-13, and attained 10 corner kicks to the Big Green’s five.

“If you look at our result with the way our season is going, I was not terribly dissatisfied with the loss,” sophomore Pascal Mensah said. “But as a competitor, I was disappointed because we certainly had opportunities to win the game in the first overtime.”

The home side was able to steal momentum at the beginning of the first extra period with a series of chances sparked by sophomore defender Ross Friedman.

But Saturday’s positive result could be a sign of things to come for Harvard’s soccer program, as coach Carl Junot started three freshmen and five sophomores, including the Crimson’s lone goal-scorer and leading shooter Friedman, who tallied three shots.

“This is my third year of playing organized soccer, so my soccer IQ is not as high as some of my teammates,” Mensah said. “I feel that it’s always great for younger guys to get to see the field. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without [playing time]. Some of the older guys who are sitting were 90-minute players on the Ivy League championship team, but they have handled the coaching decisions very well by coaching the younger guys and keeping the environment positive.”

Despite vocal complaints from both benches, 33 combined fouls, several close calls, and intense physical play, the only booking of the game belonged to Dartmouth’s Nick Pappas in the 69th minute.

Harvard jumps back in action against Colgate at Soldiers Field Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium on Tuesday.