"We knew that this was going to be one of the biggest games of the season. An absolute must-win," co-captain Tommy Lobben '08 said.
With the victory this weekend, Dartmouth moves its record to 9-3-2 overall, 3-0-1 in the Ivy League. The win places the Big Green solidly in second place behind Brown (4-0-0 Ivy) in the Ivy standings. Harvard, now 9-3-2 (2-2-0 Ivy), falls to a three-way tie with Penn and Princeton for third place.
Harvard's strong attacking capabilities were demonstrated early in the game, as Big Green keeper Sean Milligan '09 was forced to make a brilliant save on a rocket from Crimson striker Michael Fucito.
"Milligan was solid," head coach Jeff Cook said. "He made one huge save early and had good handling all game."
The block was Milligan's only save of the half, however, as the Big Green was soon putting pressure on Harvard's keeper. Dartmouth was slow offensively in the early minutes of the first half, but the Big Green quickly got an edge. Dani Rothenberg '09 put a pass to the feet of Craig Henderson '09 just inside the box. With a stunning spin move, Henderson was able to split the two Harvard defenders and put the ball past the Crimson keeper to bring the score to 1-0.
Little did the Big Green know that Henderson's score would be all it would need for victory.
"Dani Rothenberg played a good ball to [Henderson]," Coach Cook said. "He had a tremendous turn which eliminated the two center backs. Put it right in the lower corner. It was as first-class goal."
With the lead, it was up to Dartmouth's defense, which has received praise this year as one of the best in the Ivy League, to keep the Big Green on top. Several Dartmouth midfielders and defensive backs all had good performances, shutting down attacks by the Harvard offense. The Big Green defense held the Crimson to just four shots on goal all game, and only a single corner kick in the second half.
"We knew we would have to defend well," Coach Cook said. "Harvard is a good team and very smart offensively. But we played well and deserved to win."
Prior to Saturday's game, Harvard had scored at least one goal in each of its last 10 matches.
"The defense played really well," Lobben said. "The back four held it together. It takes something special to stop a 10-game scoring streak."
Milligan had four saves overall in the game, adding yet another shutout to his record this season.
"Milligan was solid," Lobben said. "You can't ask for much more from a goalie."
Dartmouth had six shots on goal in the game, but was unable to capitalize again after Henderson's score. Though Dartmouth forwards could not up the score, Milligan's strong showing kept the Big Green on top. At the end of 90 minutes of play, Dartmouth had been able to keep Harvard scoreless and took the victory.
"The win is very significant," Coach Cook said. "It keeps us alive in the Ivy race."
Dartmouth's next match is at home this Saturday against Cornell, who presently sits in seventh place in the Ivy League.
"Cornell improved from last year," Cook said. "They will be a big challenge. All Ivy games are a challenge, but we know we can play well at home and get goals from different guys."
Next weekend's match is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Burnham Field.