Ella Weil’s game-winning goal in the 78th minute was the difference as the Brown women’s soccer team opened up Ivy League play with a 2-1 win over Harvard at Stevenson-Pincince Field on Saturday evening. “Today was a great example of two of arguably the best two Ivy League women’s soccer teams going at it,” head coach Kia McNeill said. “It was a great game from both sides, and I think another game that highlights how strong the Ivy League is. We did a good job of imposing our will on Harvard, and for the most part our press really stifled their build up into the attack. We knew they were weak on set pieces, and that’s a strength of ours so it was great that we were able to capitalize on those opportunities to get the win.” The goal was Weil’s third in two games and her team-leading fourth of the season. Brown opened the game on the attack as they generated four corner kicks in the opening 30 minutes. Brown’s best chance of the first 30 minutes came from Ayla Sahin, who had an opportunity to put the Bears ahead as her shot was pushed aside by the Harvard goalkeeper Rhiannon Stewart. On their fifth corner kick opportunity of the first half, the Bears opened the scoring off a corner kick as Karlie Schlosser played the ball into the 18-yard box and found Layla Shell, Shell’s header was able to find the back of the net. Brown took a 1-0 lead into the second half. Harvard leveled the game at one in the 52nd minute on a goal from Anna Rayhill. Following the Harvard goal, the Bears took to the offensive as Ella Weil generated a shot 21 seconds following the goal, Weil’s shot narrowly missed the net. Ayla Sahin generated a chance in the 65th minute but her shot also missed the net. The game-winning goal came off of another corner kick for the Bears, a cross from Karlie Schlosser found Naya Cardoza, Cardoza nudged the ball towards the net as Ella Weil was able to put the ball into the roof of the net to give the Bears a 2-1 lead. Harvard pushed forward for an equalizer as they earned two corner kick opportunities in the final six minutes. With less than a minute to play, Bella Schopp preserved the Brown lead with a save, the Bears were able to hold on and earn a 2-1 victory. The Bears out shot the Crimson 11-5 in the final 45 minutes, Ella Weil and Ayla Sahin each had a team-high three shots. Karlie Schlosser picked up two assists in the contest, the senior has four assists in the last two games. Ella Weil has seven points over the last two games including three goals. “It’s a great start to Ivy League play,” McNeill added. “We’re looking forward to getting some rest and then getting ready for next weekend.” Brown will be back in action when they travel to Princeton on Saturday, Oct. 5, kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today’s Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel. Categories: Sports