The Cornell men's soccer team, ranked 20th, defeated Penn 1-0 to advance to its first-ever Ivy League Championship game. The match took place on November 13 at Roberts Stadium, improving Cornell’s record to 13-2-2. Sergio Zapata scored the sole goal, assisted by Adam Schaban, while Ryan Friedberg secured a shutout with one save. Head coach John Smith praised the team's cohesive performance, emphasizing their solid defense and quality chances created throughout the match.

By the Numbers
  • Cornell has a season record of 13 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws.
  • Ryan Friedberg registered his ninth shutout of the season.
State of Play
  • Cornell is set to play for the Ivy League Championship for the first time in the program’s history.
  • The Big Red will face the winner of the Princeton vs. Harvard match in the final on November 20.
What's Next

Cornell will compete in the Ivy League Championship game against either Princeton or Harvard. The match is scheduled for November 20 at 11:00 a.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Expectations are high for a challenging game, given the caliber of opponents.

Bottom Line

The victory marks a historic milestone for Cornell men's soccer, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level in the Ivy League. As they approach the championship, maintaining focus and building on their defensive strengths will be crucial for success.