Crimson Up to No. 13 In New Poll

The Harvard men’s soccer team’s season-opening victory against Rhode Island on Saturday bumped the Crimson from No.15 to No. 13 in College Soccer News’ national rankings and earned individual accolades for senior co-captain Matt Hoff and freshman Alex Chi.

Hoff, who assisted on the first two Harvard goals before adding the game-winning score in the 3-2 win over the Rams, was named to the College Soccer Division I National Team of the Week. Hoff’s goal came midway through the second half, when he juked two defenders to open up some space for himself at the top of the box. His left-footed shot was well out of the reach of the Rhode Island keeper.

Chi was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week after scoring a goal in the ninth minute of his collegiate debut. Chi was able to sneak in behind two defenders and one-touch a pass from sophomore André Akpan into the back of the net.

“It was an excellent first day,” Chi said, with a large smile, after the game.