Men's Soccer: Red-hot Cornell to challenge hosts

Cornell (8-1-4 overall, 3-0-1 Ivy League) is among the three best in the league in almost every major team statistical category. This includes leading in goals allowed per game and shutouts, showing just how dominant the defense has been this season.

One of the team’s reasons for its success this season has been the breakout play of forward Daniel Haber, who leads the team with seven goals and 18 total points. Haber is second in the conference in points per game and third in goals per game.

Another star for Cornell this season has been midfielder Jimmy Lannon, who ranks second in the conference with six assists. Finally, goalkeeper Rick Pflasterer has posted numbers that make him arguably the best goalkeeper in the Ivy League.

Despite Cornell’s prowess this season, Princeton (4-8-1, 1-3) has showed some life, especially in the Tigers’ win last week at Harvard. Though Harvard is winless in league play this year, playing Harvard in Cambridge is never an easy game.

“Every win gives you momentum, and I think we are definitely carrying that into the game against Cornell,” junior defender and captain Mark Linnville said. “We know we are a good team, and we just want to prove it the rest of the year.”

Two freshmen accounted for the three goals scored against Harvard — forward Julian Griggs scored twice and was named Ivy League Rookie of the Week, while forward Cameron Porter also scored. Princeton’s top scorers have been junior forward Matt Sanner with six, followed by senior forward Antoine Hoppenot and the Porter with four. Hoppenot also has five assists and leads the team with 13 total points.

Princeton has played better than its record indicates this season, as the Tigers have lost a lot of games that the team could have won. Princeton is currently second in the conference in total points, third in shots, second in goals, second in assists and tied for first with Cornell in goals per game. The Tigers have outshot their opponents 56-49 in conference play this season but lost three of four games.

Stopping Haber, Linville said, is a big concern and priority for the Tigers. “We just plan on giving each other a lot of cover around the back and being smart where we are playing the ball and where we are stepping in on tackles,” he said. “Haber has been very opportunistic so we just need to be strong around the box and not let him or anyone else get anything free around our 18.”

Linnville added that the game will come down to fundamentals. “The key to beating [Cornell] for us is going to be playing good possession soccer and really just making them chase us all over the field rather than playing direct.”

The Big Red will visit Roberts Stadium at 4 p.m. Saturday.