Coming off a dominant 2–0 win over Columbia (1–6–4 overall, 0–3–1 Ivy League) this past weekend and holding firm in the national top-five, No. 5 Princeton Men’s Soccer (10–1–1, 4–0–0), will close out non-conference play against No. 2 Bryant (13–0–1, 4–0–0) on Tuesday night at Roberts Stadium.
The Tigers enter the matchup on a high, led by senior forward Daniel Ittycheria’s two-goal performance this past weekend. He has scored in five straight games and will look to add to his tally against the Bryant Bulldogs. Anchoring the defense, junior goalkeeper Andrew Samuels will look to secure his ninth clean sheet of the season.
Facing an undefeated Bulldogs squad ranked just ahead of the Tigers, Princeton will look to defend home ground in this star-studded midweek matchup heading into the final stretch of Ivy League play.
Princeton 2, Bryant 1 — Matthew Yi, Assistant Sports Editor
Despite the star power on both sides, this top-five matchup is expected to be tightly contested at Myslik Field. Bryant enters on a 13-game unbeaten streak, but the Tigers’ balanced attack and disciplined defense should allow Princeton to edge ahead. Look for Princeton to establish pressure early on and create chances. Expect the front line led by Ittycheria to find the back of the net within the first half and set the tone for the home side.
Bryant’s high-powered offense will fight back and test the Tiger back line, but Samuels, a multiple-time Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week, and the Tiger defense are poised to hold firm. Expect the Tigers to score a decisive goal in the final minutes, bolstering their tournament resume and moving them up the ranks.
Princeton 2, Bryant 1 — Lily Pampolina, Assistant Sports Editor
Coming from an Ivy League shutout this weekend, the Tigers will be determined to keep the momentum against Bryant. The undefeated Bulldogs are no strangers to Ivy League opponents, though, having defeated both Dartmouth and Brown earlier in the season. The matchup will test the Tigers’ ability to perform under a spotlight and keep their composure against an aggressive and persistent Bryant offense.
In order to succeed against the Bulldogs, Princeton must focus on its transition from defense to offense, something Men’s Soccer Head Coach Jim Barlow ’91 has cited numerous times throughout the season. Barlow’s squad must be prepared for Bryant’s tenacious offensive unit, forcing turnovers and preventing the Bulldogs from gaining momentum. Working through the midfield to give the Tiger strikers quality opportunities will be critical for putting the ball in the back of the net.
Ultimately, with a home-field advantage and an opportunity to stay on top of the national rankings, the Tigers have their best shot to get past the Bulldogs this Tuesday, but it will only be possible with strong communication and team cohesion.
Princeton 1, Bryant 1 — Brizel Martinez Cruz, Sports Contributor
Although this is the first time the Princeton Tigers and the Bryant Bulldogs will face each other, this should be an intense match between two top-five collegiate soccer teams. The Princeton Tigers are currently undefeated in the Ivy League Tournament, defending their champion title. However, in the season overall, the Tigers fell to Hofstra University and tied with James Madison University. The Bryant Bulldogs are undefeated, with just one tie against Long Island University. The strong defense from the Princeton Tigers and the strong offense from the Bryant Bulldogs should result in a tie between the two teams.
Sophomore defender Roka Tsunehara was recently awarded the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week, and Samuels has earned the title multiple times in his collegiate career. With their defense, the Princeton Tigers should be able to hold off the Bryant Bulldogs, but will eventually fall prey to their powerful offense.
Matthew Yi is an assistant Sports Editor for the ‘Prince.’
Lily Pampolina is an associate Sports Editor and assistant Audience Editor for the ‘Prince.’
Brizel Martinzez Cruz is a Sports Contributor for the ‘Prince.’
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