Men's soccer to face Dartmouth in Ivy opener

Undefeated over the last two weeks of play, the men’s soccer team (3-2-2) now heads into the heart of its season this weekend, as it opens up Ivy League play at home against Dartmouth (4-2-1).

It was two years ago that the Tigers found themselves in a 1-1 deadlock with the Big Green at home after 90 minutes of regulation. However,it took less than two minutes for the Tigers to secure the victory in their 2012 Ivy opener, as then-sophomore forward Cameron Porter worked the ball from the touchline, worked through the box and found the back of the net just one minute and 45 seconds into the first overtime frame. Success against Dartmouth continued into last season, as the Tigers once again took down the Big Green by a 2-1 decision in Hanover, N.H.

However, this year’s Dartmouth lineup has proven to be deeper than either its 2012 or 2013 predecessors'. While it has lost two games, similar to Princeton, this Big Green squad has not lost since Sept. 8. What’s more, both of its losses have come to nationally ranked powerhouses: Dartmouth fell to then-No. 2 Notre Dame University by a 4-1 decision on Sept. 6, and lost to then-No.12 Indiana University two days later in a bitter 1-0 result. Since Sept. 8, the lineup has posted a 4-0-1 record, and has outscored its opponents by a 12-4 margin. Forward Alex Adelabu and midfielder Robin Alnas pose the greatest threat for the Big Green, as they each have two goals and six points on the season so far. With this much momentum, Dartmouth poses a significant threat to the Tigers’ run for an Ivy League title. Princeton is more than aware of it, but ready to face the challenge before it.

“Dartmouth has had a very good season so far,” junior back Josh Miller said. “Their only losses were to national powerhouses, so we are expecting a good team. They have a talented, fast forward that we will have to deal with, and good size in the back. We like where we are at as a team, though, and being at home should give us a great advantage.”

“This is the most important game of the season,” junior forward Nico Hurtado said. “We have to win in order to start off the Ivy League season right, especially at home. We gotta make sure we win the set piece battle and are careful with their dangerous forward. We’re gonna come out with lots of intensity right from the start and dictate the type of game it’s gonna be.”

Match time is set for 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at Roberts Stadium.