Almost one year ago to the day from this Sunday's game, Princeton played Brown in a contest of undefeated women's soccer teams. After a brutally physical match, the Tigers emerged with a win — and later went on to win the Ivy title.
A far cry from last year's team, the Bears (2-6 overall, 0-2 Ivy League) have had a rough time of late. Brown has not scored in three straight games, resulting in the team's second three-game losing streak of the season.
Princeton (7-1-1, 2-0), on the other hand, has opened the season strong against some of the best competition in the country. The Tigers travel to Providence, R.I., for the weekend match with concerns of its own.
Princeton has played a lot of soccer recently on very little rest.
"We have actually played four very difficult games in eight days and the team has responded well," head coach Julie Shackford said.
As has been the case with the Tigers' Ivy experience this season, the outcome of Sunday's game will probably hinge on the defense of each team.
Brown will have to find a way to slow down what has been a very potent Princeton attack. The Tigers have more than doubled the Bears this year in terms of offensive production — 20 goals to nine.
But it is not just the Princeton offense that will give Brown fits. For a team that has not scored in three games, a contest against a team that only gave up two goals against No. 2 UCLA is not the best remedy.
Perhaps the greatest threat to the Tigers protecting their perfect Ivy record would be a disappointing performance from the long trip to California and Wednesday night's game against No. 22 William and Mary.
Not that the Tigers are taking anything for granted.
"Brown is a very good team," Shackford said. "They battle hard and despite some losses will be ready and eager to play."
Both teams come into the game with relatively little Ivy League experience. It is well known that Princeton relies heavily on its freshmen, and the Bears are light on seniors and juniors as well.
The marquee matchup on the field will most likely feature the goalies. For the Tigers, senior keeper Catherine Glenn has been a standout — in addition to the support she has gotten from outstanding defensive players like junior midfielders Alex Fiore and Heather Deerin.
Senior Mary Jo Markle will be playing opposite Glenn for the Bears. Before last year's defensive struggle, Markle had been leading the country in goals against average — .000. The goal she surrendered to the Tigers was her first of the season.
While the Bear offense seems to have gone into hibernation this year, it has had its moments. In the team's season opener, Brown put up five goals against neighborhood rival Providence while shutting the Friars out.
Since then, however, the Bears have been fighting an uphill battle, losing each game in which they have given up a goal.
Given their busy schedule of late, the Tigers will have to look to the depth that Shackford and her players talked about at the beginning of the season. The ability to run fresh players onto the field could make all the difference in Princeton's attempt to keep its Ivy record unblemished.
As the Tigers travel to Providence, expect few surprises, strong performances from the usual suspects and, more likely than not, a Princeton win.
Read More
Women’s ice hockey names Courtney Kessel as new head coach
Lily PampolinaFollowing the resignation of Cara Gardner Morey, Princeton appointed Courtney Kessel as head coach.
Following the resignation of Cara Gardner Morey, Princeton appointed Courtney Kessel as head coach.
Former women’s basketball forward Parker Hill ’25 signs professional contract in Switzerland
Doug SchwartzAfter a successful senior season, women's basketball forward Parker Hill signed a contact to play professional basketball in Europe, following in the steps of her past teammates.
After a successful senior season, women's basketball forward Parker Hill signed a contact to play professional basketball in Europe, following in the steps of her past teammates.
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.