Harvard’s women’s soccer squad opened its 2026 campaign with a 4‑3 defeat at the hands of the University of Massachusetts on Thursday night.
First Half Fireworks
The Crimson surged ahead early, striking three times in the opening half, with captain Ólöf Kristinsdóttir delivering a double that put the hosts up 2‑0 before Jasmine Leshnick added a third in the 37th minute after converting a penalty.
Despite outshooting the Minutemen 25‑11 and enjoying a 12‑7 advantage in shots on goal, Harvard could not preserve the lead as UMass rallied.
Four unanswered goals in the second half turned the tide, with the visitors completing a comeback to win 4‑3. Goalkeeper Leah Nisenfeld made nine saves, while Olivia Busby recorded three for the opposition.
Head coach Chris Hamblin pointed to defensive lapses and poor possession management as the primary reasons for the collapse, urging his side to tighten up before the next test.
Harvard will look to rebound when it hosts Fairfield University on Thursday, hoping to finally register its first victory of the season.