Big Green Beat Cornell, 2-0, to Win Ivy League Title

Saturday, November 7

Hanover, N.H.

4:00 PM

Dartmouth College

Cornell

Big Green Beat Cornell, 2-0, to Win Ivy League Title

11/7/2015 5:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

By: Dartmouth

HANOVER, N.H. – For the second consecutive year, the men's soccer Ivy League Championship will remain in Hanover, as Dartmouth defeated Cornell, 2-0, at Burnham Field to win the title.

For the Big Green, it's their 11th conference championship, which also earns Dartmouth the automatic bid to the NCAA College Cup Tournament. With the victory, Dartmouth improves to 11-4-1 overall and 6-0 in the Ivy League. The loss drops the Big Red to 4-11-1 and 2-4-0 in conference play.

“Obviously you're so proud of your team,” Big Green head coach Chad Riley said. “They've worked so hard and we haven't had a bad practice all year. I think that's such a credit to them. Individuals can sometimes win you games, but the only thing that wins championships is a squad. We've had 29 guys who have been so focused and committed to the program. On the outside it might look like its easy, but we've had adversity and we've battled through it.”

Heading into this evening's game, Dartmouth knew a win would clinch the title on the same night where the Green was also honoring its six seniors. For one senior, the night proved to be extra special.

After Dartmouth dominated possession to begin the game, senior mid fielder Alberto Gorini scored his first goal of the season in the 31st minute. Freshman teammate Justin Donawa crossed the ball over to Gorini, who buried a shot into the net to give Dartmouth the 1-0 lead.

“Alberto has been playing so well for us the last three weeks,” Riley said. “I knew the goal was coming. He's had some narrow misses whether it be a good save from a goalkeeper. It was great to see him get that goal. I thought it was one of the best goals of the season”

The Green took a 1-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, but the Dartmouth's offense was not finished. In 56th minute, senior Eric Jayne delighted the hometown crowd when he fired a shot from the center of the box that ricocheted off the crossbar and in for his second goal of the season and a 2-0 lead for Dartmouth.

The Big Green continued to keep the pressure on the Cornell as the Big Red tried to get on the scoreboard. Cornell outshot Dartmouth 14-11 in the contest, as Riley credited the Big Red as being a tough Ancient Eight opponent.

The Big Green defense held until the final seconds ticked off, as goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland finished the night with five saves and recorded his eighth shutout of the year.

Before Dartmouth gets ready for the post season, it must close out the regular season on the road at Brown next Saturday. Kickoff from Providence will be at 5 p.m.