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Harvard Men’s Soccer (5-5-5, 1-3-2 Ivy) drew Ivy League rivals Cornell (11-2-2, 4-1-1 Ivy) 0-0 on Saturday, closing out its home portion of the season with a performance that celebrated its graduating seniors.

In front of packed crowds at Jordan Field, the Crimson had to work hard to control the first half of the game. Captain Ethan Veghte led the team’s offense with three shots, though it took a powerful strike from fellow senior Marcos Ojea Quintana to get the team’s only shot on goal in the half.

“We had two or three excellent chances,” Head Coach Josh Shapiro said. “I think I was a little disappointed not to get more from the 25-30 minute period where we were really in control.”

Though the forwards like freshmen Alejandro Palacio and Adam Poliakov worked consistently to create chances, it was departing senior goalie Cullen MacNeil who anchored the team. Over the course of the match, MacNeil made four saves, including a key block in the 38th minute, thus serving to protect the Crimson’s clean sheet.

“I think there were a lot of spells where the game was going back and forth,” said MacNeil. “But it was good to walk away with a clean sheet on our home field."

As the game continued, neither Cornell nor Harvard managed to find the back of the net despite numerous challenges from both teams.

In the 63rd minute, Palacio, having won a free kick off the Big Red, sent a clean ball to Veghte, who headed the ball just wide of the goal. The momentum did not slow for the Crimson with junior Dylan Tellado in the 79th minute beaming a powerful shot towards the Big Red’s goalpost, resulting in a save.

With the clock readily running down, both sides began to rack up both fouls and cards. The Crimson and Big Red battled for control in the midfield, with Harvard accumulating 14 fouls over the course of the game to Cornell’s 10.

In the final eleven minutes of the game, Quintana received a red card following a second yellow, thereby ending his game. As such, Harvard was left to play out the last minutes with just 10 men.

“I think we were just trying to pack it in and keep our season alive,” said MacNeil.

Though the match ended scoreless, that did not stop the Crimson from celebrating its departing seniors. The Class of 2026 received recognition alongside family and teammates who were fundamental to their four years at the College.

“All of our seniors represented themselves so well. It’s such a wonderful group of guys,” said Shapiro. “I’m very proud of them, and proud to be associated with them.”

“The warm reception from all my friends in the Harvard community made me feel really special today,” added MacNeil.

All hopes for the Harvard men rest upon the team’s upcoming game against Dartmouth, with the Crimson hoping to clinch a win and a coveted qualification for the Ivy League playoffs.

”If we can extend the season for one week, that’s well worth our best efforts,” Shapiro said. “We’re going to go celebrate our seniors right now, but after that, we’ve got all eyes on Dartmouth.”