Columbia Women’s Soccer Team (5-3-3, 3-0-0 Ivy) maintained their winning streak in the Ivy League after winning against Cornell (2-6-4, 1-2-0 Ivy) on Wednesday.

It was Pride Day at the Rocco B. Commisso stadium where the Columbia Lions took home their third consecutive conference win this season against Cornell University. Even Columbia interim president Katrina Armstrong came to watch the duel between these two New York teams. 

In the first few minutes after whistle blow, Columbia struggled to keep a defensive composure and maintain possession, allowing Cornell to place large offensive pressure on the Lions. There was a nice attack from Columbia in the 13th minute with a cross kick then header, but the ball never made it into the net. A back and forth fight for possession ensued between the two teams as Columbia struggled to find an opening through Cornell’s defensive line. Then, following an incredible counterattack in the 19th minute, Nata Ramirez (CC ‘25) scored the first goal of the match after receiving a pass from Charlyse Berry (CC ’26). Four minutes later, this duo struck again, this time with Ramirez passing the ball to Berry who scored a beautiful header in the 23rd minute, giving the Lions a 2-0 lead. However, an unsatisfied Cornell came back with a goal in the 24th minute that slipped right past the goalie, slowing Columbia’s lead. In fact, the Lions seemed to be shaken following Cornell’s goal, as Columbia continuously lost possession while their opponent attempted many shots, including a close one in the 35th. Columbia struggled to find their way back onto the other side of the field, playing mostly offense in the latter portion of the half. Yet, with only two minutes left, Courtney Ruedt (CC ’25) scored off a corner kick in the 43rd, marking the a third goal for the Lions and giving them a leg up for the second half. 

Halftime: Columbia 3, Cornell 1

Despite a tough first half (and a very chilly second half—unfortunately I forgot my jacket!), Columbia returned with the same attacking energy they left with, demonstrating a more composed formation. Beautiful passing and footwork gave way to two attempted shots in the first five minutes of the half as the Lions clearly searched for a fourth goal. Sam Cohn (CC ‘25) gave Columbia their fourth goal of the game as she landed an impressive shot in the high center of the net following another cross from Ramirez. The Lions continued to dominate the rest of the half, maintaining good defense and keeping up a consistent attacking pressure. First year goalie Samantha Mahoney (CC ’28) also made a great save in the 79th minute. Columbia successfully thwarted all Cornell attacks to close out the match 4-1.

Fulltime: Columbia 4, Cornell 1

Columbia managed to control most of the game giving them the power they needed to win. They will continue Ivy League play against Dartmouth at home Sunday, October 13 at 1 pm. 

Image via CU Athletics