A Strong Start
The Crimson opened their 2026 campaign at Jordan Field, where they faced off against the Massachusetts Minutemen in a match that quickly turned into a showcase of offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
Harvard struck first in the 10th minute when Alejandro Palacio slipped a precise pass to Ben Kelly, who finished calmly to put the visitors ahead. The early goal set the tone, and the team continued to press forward.
Key Performances
Ben Kelly was the catalyst, contributing a goal and two assists while finishing with three points. Dylan Tellado added a timely strike in the 40th minute, and Adam Poliakov extended the lead in the 52nd minute, assisted by Kelly. Shane Lonergan capped the scoring with a late goal in the 82nd minute, sealing a 4-1 result.
Between the attacks, goalkeeper Jason Broome earned his first career win and start, making four saves and commanding the box with confidence. Massachusetts managed to level the game briefly when Liam Gainey converted a penalty in the 22nd minute, but the Crimson responded swiftly.
The match also featured a red card for Massachusetts in the 62nd minute, leaving the Minutemen a man short and limiting their ability to mount a comeback. Harvard outshot their opponents 15-10 overall, with a 7-5 edge in the first half and an 8-5 advantage after the break.
The victory marked the most goals scored by Harvard in a season‑opening win since 2022, underscoring the team’s renewed attacking depth. The performance also highlighted the depth of talent across the roster, with multiple players finding the net.
Looking Ahead
Harvard’s next test will be a road trip to South Bend, Indiana, where they will meet Notre Dame on Monday, August 31. The game will be streamed live on ACCNX, offering fans another chance to follow the Crimson’s early-season momentum.