CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Coming off an electric 4-0 victory over the Northeastern Huskies, the Harvard Crimson will look to exact a little revenge on another regional foe when it travels across town to take on the Boston University Terriers. The Crimson (2-0-1, 0-0-0 Ivy) will look to avenge its loss to the Terriers (0-3-2, 0-0-0 Patriot) in the last meeting when the sides take the pitch on Thursday night (Sep. 5) at 7 PM on Nickerson Field and ESPN+.
 

WHAT TO KNOW

Starting Strong

• Harvard opened its 2024 campaign with two wins and a draw in its first three matches. The wins came in the season opener against Marshall (Aug. 26) and Northeastern (Sep. 2) with the draw coming against UMass.
• The Crimson did not concede a single goal over the three games, posting back-to-back-to-back shutouts.
• Goalkeeper, Rhiannon Stewart, recorded shutouts in all three games and went down as the first three of her career.

In the Rankings

• Harvard is one of only four teams in the nation that has not allowed a goal in 2024.
• The Crimson is averaging 20.7 shots per games, which ranks them no. 17 in the nation.
• Harvard has also averaged 7.3 corner kicks per game to rank no. 27 in the nation.
• Through three games Harvard ranks atop the Ivy League in Goals Against Average (GAA), corner kicks per game, shots per game and save percentage.
• Rhiannon Stewart is tied with seven other keepers atop the NCAA with her 0.00 GAA, 1.000 save percentage and is tied for ninth in the nation with her three shutouts. 

Historically Speaking

• Harvard has recorded three consecutive shutouts to start the season for the seventh time in program history and for the first time since 1995. The record was set by the 1987 squad that record seven consecutive matches to begin its season. 

The Matchup

• Harvard will face off against Boston U. looking to avenge its loss to the Terriers in 2022 that ended the Crimson's nine-match unbeaten streak.
• The Crimson owns the advantage in the all-time series, 15-9-6, but is looking to level the record at Nickerson Field where it holds a 5-6-2 mark.
• BU owns a 0-3-2 record in the first portion of its 2024 schedule and is coming off a 0-2 loss to the UConn Huskies in its last matchup on Sunday (Sep. 1).
• Despite its winless record, the Terriers have been in almost every game, falling by two or less goals in all three of its losses. The team is also only being outscored 5-9 on the season by its opponents.
• The Terriers also are not afraid to take chances as the group averages 12.4 shots per game and are outshooting their opponents, 62-48 on the year.

On the Road

• Harvard has held its own in matches away from Jordan Field, posting a 22-5-6 record in road contests since 2019.
• This will be the third of Harvard's 10 away fixtures, which is the most in program history. 

Preseason Award and Accolades

• The Crimson landed in the top spot on the Ivy League Preseason media poll, taking first place with 120 votes and 10 first-place votes.
• Josefine Hasbo and Jade Rose were named to the Midfielder and Defenders to watch lists by the United Soccer Coaches.
• The duo also landed on the annual Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Top 100 player list last week ahead of their senior seasons. Josie claimed the No. 27 spot while Jade was ranked at 62nd on the list.
• Harvard came in to the 2024 season ranked No. 19 in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer. Harvard was ranked as high as No. 17 in the poll a year ago.
• Harvard women's soccer was recently ranked inside Soccer Wire's National Top 50 Programs over the past five seasons. The Crimson came in at No. 46 on the list that takes into account national rankings and achievements dating back to the start of the 2020 season. The recognition is a testament to the rapid growth the program has experience under Coach Hamblin and his staff, who are seeking its fourth-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024. 

Up Next

Harvard women's soccer will wrap up its three-game in seven-day stretch when it plays host to Pepperdine this Sunday (Sep. 8) at Jordan Field. The tilt will air live on ESPN+ and will serve as the team's annual Pride Celebration game.