Pictured: Andre Akpan scored his ninth goal of the season on
a penalty kick at 89:46
Photo courtesy: David Silverman Photography
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Desmond Mitchell and
Andre Akpan each tallied goals in the final minutes of action to
propel the ninth-ranked Harvard men's soccer team to a 2-1
non-conference victory at Providence Tuesday afternoon. Austin
Harms stopped two shots, as Harvard won its 10th game of the season
and improve to 10-2-1 overall.
The Crimson and Friars battled to a scoreless first half, with the
Friars holding a 6-4 edge in shots. Providence (5-6-3) also earned
all three corner kicks of the first half as the teams looked to
create plays offensively. Midway through the second stanza, Harvard
goalkeeper Austin Harms made his second save of the day, blocking a
header attempt by David Datilus at 73:25. Moments later, the
Harvard defense blocked a shot in front by Marc Cintron, keeping
Providence off the scoreboard.
Late in the second half, Adam Rousmaniere placed a cross pass in
the middle of the box and Mitchell scored on a shot from seven
yards out to put Harvard on top, 1-0, at 87:51. The Friars stormed
right back, scoring on a redirection by Marc Cintron with only 27
seconds remaining in regulation. Just moments later, Harvard was
awarded a penalty kick and Akpan capitalized for his team-best
ninth goal of the year, clinching the dramatic victory for the
Crimson.
The Friars owned a 10-7 advantage in shots, and earned five corner
kicks, compared to two for the Crimson. Harvard returns to the Ivy
League portion of its schedule Saturday, as the Crimson hosts
Princeton at 1:30 p.m.
