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Harvard women’s soccer (7-4-5, 3-3-1 Ivy) suffered a tough defeat against the Princeton Tigers (13-4-0, 6-1-0 Ivy) in the Ivy League Tournament Semifinal this past weekend. Despite a valiant effort, Harvard was unable to keep pace, ultimately falling to Princeton in a decisive 3-1 loss.

After a season filled to the brim with hardship and uncertainty, the team was grateful to battle its way into the Ivy League tournament with a chance to defend its title and aim for an NCAA tournament berth. Just a year ago, Harvard proudly lifted the Ivy League trophy up after a commanding 3-0 victory over the Columbia Lions in the final. This year, however, it was the Tigers who stood between the Crimson and a return to the championship game.

Facing long odds, Harvard was determined to pull off an upset. The journey began with a challenging trip to New Jersey where Princeton hosted the Ivy League tournament — a venue where Harvard previously suffered a 3-1 defeat earlier in the season.

Princeton rushed out of the gates to control the game on its home field. Given the Tigers’ formidable offensive attack, it was essential that Harvard held its own on the backline, fending off three early opportunities from Princeton in the opening 10 minutes. Unfortunately, at the 22 minute mark of the contest, junior defender August Hunter fouled Princeton junior midfielder Pietra Tordin inside the box. Princeton netted the penalty kick despite junior goalkeeper Rhiannon Stewart guessing the right direction on the shot.

Once again, the Crimson found itself trailing in another contest, but it created promising opportunities to score. Forward Audrey Francois was the driving force in Harvard’s attack as the junior imposed her will, driving through each and every Princeton defender to complete a multitude of outstanding runs for the Crimson. Despite her efforts, the elusive equalizer remained just out of reach.

Sophomore Susie Long gave Harvard its best scoring opportunity of the game by surging up the wing of the field, slicing into the box, and firing the ball at the goal only to see it blocked by the Princeton defense. After one half of play, Harvard trailed Princeton, 1-0.

Harvard returned to the field in the second half in dire need of a goal to reinforce a level of confidence to win the game. Princeton had other plans in mind, making a statement goal early in the second half to increase its lead, 2-0 over the Crimson. The fight was still on for the Crimson on the offensive side of the ball, led by Francois. She nearly helped Harvard score its first goal of the contest at the 53 minute mark, but her cross sailed out of the grasp of senior forward Nicola Golen. In the meantime, Princeton tallied another goal at the 68 minute mark, opening up a daunting 3-0 lead over the Crimson.

Late in the match, Harvard showed its resolve with a consolation goal from senior midfielder Áslaug Gunnlaugsdóttir, but when the final whistle blew, it was Princeton advancing to the Ivy League championship with a 3-1 victory over the Crimson.

In light of the heartbreak of a semifinal exit, tough loss for the team, Harvard women’s soccer can look back on this season with pride. The Crimson’s journey was defined by resilience: injuries, adversity, and tough losses in conference play could not break its spirit. Remarkably, Harvard remained undefeated in non-conference matchups and still secured a spot in the Ivy League tournament, proving its mettle.

While its title defense ultimately fell short, the team's relentless fight was a testament to the grit and determination of the program. For the Crimson, this season wasn’t just about wins and losses, but about coming together as a team in the face of challenges and leaving it all on the field. Looking ahead, this year’s struggles will no doubt serve as fuel for an even stronger return next season.

—Staff writer Chandler Piggé can be reached at chandler.pigge@thecrimson.com.