NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Yale's response to its first blemish of the season was impressive.
Paolo Carroll scored twice as the Bulldogs earned an important 3-1 victory over defending Ivy League champion Princeton at Roberts Stadium.
Yale (5-1-3, 1-1 Ivy) was coming off a 2-1 loss to Penn last Saturday in its Ivy opener but quickly put that in the rear-view mirror.
"Today was a great response after our last game," said
Kylie Stannard, the 5K Corral Head Coach of the Bulldogs. "We were especially sharp in the first half and really dictated the game. We didn't start the second half as focused or energized as we needed but still found a way to be dangerous in a couple moments, and we took those chances very well. We are disappointed not to get the shutout but credit to Princeton for working their way back in the game and putting a lot of pressure on us in the last 15 minutes. I am very proud of our guys for digging in and making sure we closed things out.
"Most importantly, we played with great togetherness and commitment to the game plan, and the guys executed it very well."
Carroll opened the scoring at 18:41 when he found the back of the net after a deflection in front.
Jeremy Haddock was credited with the assist.
Early in the second half,
Kahveh Zahiroleslam was pulled down in the box, which led to Carroll's second goal on a penalty kick at 51:57.
Carroll and Zahiroleslam were also pivotal players in the third goal. This time it was Carroll who was tripped in the box, and Zahiroleslam scoring on the PK at 55:16.
A 3-0 lead was more than enough for a Yale defense that has been stingy throughout the season.
The Tigers (4-4-1, 1-1 Ivy) spoiled the shutout when Daniel Diaz Bonilla scored at 57:41.
Princeton applied pressure in the final minutes, but Yale goalkeeper
Elian Haddock was up to the challenge. He finished with 10 saves.
The Tigers were playing their first game in newly renovated Roberts Stadium, but Yale spoiled the celebration.
Princeton had been unbeaten in its last eight Ivy League games dating back to the 2019 season.
Next up for the Bulldogs is a Tuesday date at UMass Lowell. The opening kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
