Men’s soccer (10–6 overall, 5–2 Ivy League) entered the Ivy League tournament as the three seed and will face off with No. 16 Cornell (12–2–2 overall, 5–2 Ivy League) in the semifinals.
The Tigers’ strong finish to their Ivy League schedule was interrupted last week in a tense 1–0 loss to the No. 12 Penn Quakers. The battle determined the top seed spot and right to host the Ivy League tournament. Now, they will have a second chance to beat the Big Red, who they lost to 1–0 earlier this season in October.
The Big Red post the highest score differential in the Ivy League, but the Tigers take the most corners in the conference. And while Cornell's squad is currently ranked and are in the running for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, the Tigers need a win to keep their season alive and have a shot at the automatic bid through winning the Ivy League tournament.
Assistant Sports editor Harrison Blank ’26 and staff Sports writer Bryant Figueroa ’27 make their predictions for the game.
Princeton 2, Cornell 1 — Harrison Blank, Assistant Sports Editor
The Tigers had a very strong performance against the No. 12 Penn Quakers last week in the final game of the regular season, albeit coming away with a 1–0 loss. They will carry over that momentum this weekend, grabbing revenge over the Big Red.
The relentless offensive spearhead of junior forward Danny Ittycheria netted the two goals for the Tigers as they jump to a quick two point lead in the first half, with assists from sophomore Liam Beckwith and junior Gabe Duchovyn. After laying consistent pressure against Penn and coming away with nothing, the Tigers will score quickly and fiercely.
While Cornell slightly edged the Tigers on shots in their 1–0 win over Princeton earlier in the season, the Tigers backline, anchored by junior Jack Jasinski and sophomore goalie Andrew Samuels, will nullify the Big Red attack and hold them to only five shots and one goal.
The Tigers are steaming after losing a game last weekend they felt they could’ve won, and that anger will be channeled into a big upset. Princeton’s season won’t be over just yet.
Princeton 1, Cornell 0 — Bryant Figueroa, Staff Sports Writer
Despite a narrow loss to Cornell 1–0 at Myslik Field earlier this season, the Tigers have only improved throughout the season. Time and time again, they have proven they have what it takes to compete with the best teams. Finishing their chances and a bit of luck are all that's been missing. The best example is their frustrating last-minute loss to Ivy powerhouse Penn. With Penn being an undefeated team in the Ivy League coming into the match, Princeton had the Penn defense on their toes for 85 minutes, as it was truly anyone’s game despite Penn being the favorites.
The Tigers have regained momentum, driven by the energy of players like freshman defender Dash Papez and senior forward Nico Nee. Princeton’s back four against Penn also proved solid against Penn’s bursting counterattacks as well as passion and grit in their aerial and blocking game. The Tigers will be able to have it swing their way on Friday through their ability to control possession and calmly dissect a defense.
The Tigers may have come up short against the Big Red once before, but the Tigers now are much different than the Tigers in October. Princeton grabs victory to play for a shot at the Ivy League Tournament title on Sunday in a narrow hard fought win.
Bryant Figueroa is a staff Sports writer for the ‘Prince.’
Harrison Blank is an assistant Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Please send corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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