Harvard Edges Women’s Soccer in 1-0 Final

Sunday, August 30

West Point, N.Y.

1 PM

Army West Point

2-2-0

Harvard

1-0-0

Harvard

Army West Point

Harvard Edges Women’s Soccer in 1-0 Final

August 30, 2015 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Brooke Dickens' marker in the 71st minute propelled Harvard to a 1-0 victory over the Army West Point women's soccer team on Sunday afternoon at Clinton Field. The positive result for the defending Ivy League champions handed the Black Knights their first home loss of the season.

Harvard improved to 1-0-0 on the year, while Army dipped to 2-2-0 through four matches.

"Obviously we are disappointed with the result today, but overall there were a lot of positives on the field today," head coach Marcia McDermott said. "The style of play was really good, for times we dictated the tempo of the game and we fought to the end and created a great chance at the end of the game. This is going to help us to be a better team."

The two sides spent the first 15 minutes of the opening half getting acclimated to the game as each recorded one shot to that point. Following a spell of Harvard possession, Army began to dictate the action and had consecutive scoring chances by Katie Holder, Clare Shea and Pam Wishart. The right back's chance came off a corner kick in the 29th minute that was swallowed up by Harvard keeper Lizzie Durack.

An Army turnover in the final 30 seconds of the half put Margaret Purce in tremendous position to break the deadlock, but an Army defender and goalie Jordan Cassalia converged on her to send the teams into the locker room scoreless. Each side registered five shots in the period.

Purce, a MAC Herman Trophy candidate, nearly scored the game's first goal when Joan Fleischman carried to the goal line and sent a cross back toward the top of the penalty area. Purce sent a shot off the crossbar with the inside of her right foot, but the one-timer stayed out and was cleared from danger in the 61st minute.

The Crimson continued to put pressure on Army's back line as Purce and Candy Janachowski each had attempts turned away by Cassalia before they went in front in the 71st minute. A bouncing ball just outside the Black Knights' penalty area was struck by Dickens' right foot and flew into the net just under the crossbar.

Looking to tie the game, Army's best chance came with less than five minutes to play as Shea flicked a ball on to Holder inside the area, but her lunging attempt sailed just over the crossbar.

Durack earned a clean sheet with four saves for Harvard, while Cassalia totaled a season-high seven stops in defeat.

"Jordan came up big when we needed her today," McDermott added. "I thought she showed a lot of composure and that gives the team confidence.

Army plays its next three matches away from home, beginning with a matchup against DePaul on Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. ET.

Game Notes: Sunday's match was the first-ever meeting between Harvard and Army West Point.