Columbia
Princeton
Men's Soccer Falls to Princeton, 3-0
10/17/2009 6:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
PRINCETON, N.J. -- The Columbia University men's soccer team traveled to Princeton on Saturday afternoon and dropped a 3-0 decision at Roberts Stadium. With the loss, the Lions drop to 3-6-1 overall and 1-2 in Ivy League play.
The Tigers had back-to-back chances in the 6th minute, but were thwarted by sophomore goalkeeper Alexander Aurrichio. The first, by Princeton's Devin Muntz from 20 yards out, and the second off a free kick from junior defender Josh Walburn, were stopped by Aurrichio.
In the 21st minute, the Tigers got on the scoreboard as senior Ben Harris found the back of the net. The contest would go into halftime with Princeton holding a one-goal lead, and holding a 7-2 shot advantage.
In the second half, sophomore Francois Anderson gave Princeton goalkeeper Sean Lynch his first real test of the afternoon in the 55th minute when he had a shot from inside the box, about 10 yards out. Lynch leaped to his left to stop the shot, but bobbled the ball. He was able to get to it and smother it seconds before senior James Prince got to it. The Lions had another chance to light the scoreboard less than a minute later but first-year forward Will Stamatis couldn't connect on a cross.
Princeton's Lester Nare scored the game's second tally in the 65th minute as he converted on a long throw in opportunity in the box.
With 15 minutes to play, Columbia was awarded a free kick in a dangerous area, just outside the 18-yard box. However instead of sending the ball into the box, the Lions played a short ball and a Prince bicycle kick went too high and out for a goal kick.
Junior Brandon Busch converted on a penalty kick with three minutes to play to give Princeton a three-goal lead. He beat Aurrichio with a high shot to the left, after being taken down just inside the box by a Columbia defender.
Columbia returns to action on Tuesday, Oct. 20 as it travels to Villanova for a non-conference matchup.
