Box Score Box score

Northeastern fell to its first defeat of the season, losing to the Harvard Crimson, 1-0, on Sunday night.

The first 45 minutes of the game were scoreless, but not without chances. On multiple occasions last-second clearances were needed from the Huskies to prevent scoring opportunities, with center-backs Ambry Moss and Conner Alexander organizing the back four particularly well in the first half.

Northeastern struggled to keep possession of the ball in the first half, as they were frequently forced to start offensive moves with long punts up field. The strategy almost paid massive dividends for the Huskies in the 36th minute.

Keeper Oliver Blum booted the ball up field for Josh Semerene to control at the top of the box. Semerene's first touch created enough space between himself and his defender to play a pass towards a waiting Ricardo McDonald, only for McDonald to have his headed shot parried away smartly by Crimson keeper Austin Harms.

The start of the second half saw more of the same from Harvard. Jamie Rees collected the ball in the penalty area with Blum beaten to his right side after Brian Rogers scuffed his attempt on goal. Rees had the time and space needed to hit the target but his shot from a tight angle only found the side netting.

With less than 20 minutes left Harvard again had a chance to take the lead, but Ben Tsuda's shot whizzed harmlessly across the face of goal.

As the game entered the 83rd minute, the breakthrough finally came and it was Harvard that scored it. Tim Linden's corner kick bounced off a player in the box before landing right on the foot of Rogers to bury past Blum.

Northeastern pushed for an equalizer as the game wound towards its conclusion but none was forthcoming, as the Huskies fell to their first loss of the season.

Northeastern's next game is Friday, Sept. 9, when they take on Wright State in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee tournament.