The Crimson was in total control in the more-physical second period, despite not playing any of its seniors or its 2010 leading scorer, sophomore Brian Rogers. But the team could not finish late, despite a myriad of opportunities.

Sophomore Zach Wolfenzon had a chance on a cross-attempt in the 86th minute but couldn’t put it past Occenat, and nobody was on the far side to put it away.

As the crowd got louder, Haiti’s Ricardo Charles attempted to win it with a lefty shot from 35 yards out in the 89th minute, but the ball sailed over the head of Harvard junior goalkeeper Brett Conrad, who had replaced Harms for the second half.

The Crimson then had three good looks during extra time, but couldn’t put the match away.

First, McCarthy got open on a breakaway, but Occenat sprinted out 30 yards to break up his attempt. Then, Harvard freshman Kevin Harrington had a great look and sent a shot right on net, but Occenat lept to his left and deflected it over the goal. Finally, McCarthy broke through once more and had a chance from the side of the goalie box, but Occenat made the block.

“The purpose of our spring soccer is to develop our team,” Junot said. “I think we could’ve been a little bit better on the offensive side of the ball to put the game away.”

The buzzer sounded with no score, so the contest went to penalty kicks to determine the winner.

The first shooter, Haiti’s Junio Clairssainvil, got Conrad diving the wrong way and scored as the crowd erupted, but the Crimson’s Scott Prozeller provided the equalizer.

After Les Grenadiers scored twice more and Occenat denied attempts by Tsuda and Wolfenzon, Haiti’s Jean Baptise lined up as the stadium grew louder in anticipation. Baptise beat Conrad, and the crowd celebrated in jubilation while the Haitian players mobbed Baptise on the field.

Despite not coming away with the win, Harvard players said they were glad to have the opportunity to play in front of the Haitian community that is still recovering from the devastating earthquake of January 2010.

“It was great,” McCarthy said. “[Haiti’s] got real soccer fans. They really appreciate their sport and their country, but I didn’t hear anything negative from them; it was all positive. It was a good experience.”

—Staff writer Scott A. Sherman can be reached at ssherman13@college.harvard.edu.