While rain pelted Shaw Field last Tuesday, Georgetown University men’s soccer carried on with its business, executing a skillful 2-0 win against the Princeton Tigers. 

The Hoyas (4-2-3, 1-0 Big East) entered the match heavily favored, given their historical dominance of the Tigers (2-3). With an all-time 8-0-1 record against Princeton, Georgetown knew they didn’t have much more to prove, but potentially much to lose if they did not secure the win. The team also hoped to build off its recent momentum, coming off a 1-0 win against Creighton in their first Big East game of the season.

Right from the start, the Hoyas set a strong tone. Sophomore midfielder Matthew Van Horn — assisted by junior midfielder Max Viera — scored a 46-second goal from kickoff, his second of the season. From the very start of the game, the team looked sharp, seamlessly blending finesse with intensity — a dynamic coaches and fans have wanted to see consistently all season.

For the remaining half, the Hoyas dominated the game, especially in the midfield, thanks to the amazing defensive plays of senior midfielders Blaine Mabie and Joe Buck. The duo repeatedly stifled the opposition with well-timed interceptions and successful challenges in the opponent’s half. Later on, freshman forward Mitchell Baker appeared to have scored a goal, but this was taken off the scoreboard by a controversial offsides call, which the on-field referee refused to review. Though briefly upsetting, the situation ultimately inspired the Georgetown offense to generate more attacking pressure and off-ball aggression, overwhelming the Princeton defense. 

Throughout the match, the Hoyas showcased their offensive prowess with relentless pressure. The Hoyasy kept the ball in the opposing half for an impressive 64% of their total possession of the game while maintaining 59% overall gametime possession. In the first half alone, Georgetown recorded 9 shots (3 on goal) compared to Princeton’s 5 shots (1 on goal).

Princeton started the second half with more energy and confidence, determined to turn the game around and display a greater desire to win. They executed more successful passes and managed to push the ball into Georgetown’s half. They even managed to push into the final third of the pitch with increasing frequency, challenging the Hoyas’ defensive line. This improved play created a more physical matchup and back-and-forth game. Both teams seemed to play with fire under their feet, fighting each other vigorously for goals. 

The Tigers were able to take 6 shots (1 on goal) to the Hoyas’ 8 shots (4 on goal) in the second half, but nevertheless found themselves unable to breach the Hoyas’ stellar defense. In the competitive heat, junior goalkeeper Tenzing Manske recorded 2 saves, bringing him to his 20th save of the season.

The game became even more competitive as it continued, resulting in 28 total fouls and 3 yellow cards. By the 70th minute of the game — and as the rain grew heavier — the game patterns changed and the Tigers started putting serious pressure on the Hoyas. In a desperate attempt to level the score, the Tigers forced 5 corners in the second half, most of which were from a barrage of shots in the final minutes of the game.

The relentless final push attack from the Tigers, however, did not faze the Hoyas. Georgetown sealed the deal during the final seconds with a wonderful 90th-minute goal from sophomore midfielder Jack Heaps, the first of his career. 

Head Coach Brian Wiese expressed satisfaction with the team’s coherent performance.

“We started the game really well, the first 20 minutes was very, very good. Obviously scoring an early goal and a late goal were great, almost bookending the game,” Wiese said to Georgetown Athletics. “The team worked really hard today and it was important to get the shutout.”

The team expertly combined individual skills and abilities with their overall synergy — a combination that will surely serve them well heading into the rest of the season. Looking ahead, the Hoyas face the Akron Zips (3-3-3, 1-0 Big East ) on Saturday at 1 p.m.. EST on Shaw Field.