To be able to call itself Ivy League champions is an honor every team desires.

For the Harvard women's soccer team (10-3-2, 5-1-0 Ivy), this dream is now only one small step away from being realized.

At Dartmouth yesterday, the Crimson captured a crucial 1-0 victory over the Big Green, virtually assuring the team of the Ivy title.

If Harvard wins, it would be its third straight title in as many years.

The match promised to be closely fought, as both teams carried identical 4-1-0 Ivy records into the match.

The winning team, therefore, would emerge to stand alone at the top of the Ivies.

"It was a really big victory for us because Dartmouth was the only other school with our Ivy record," said sophomore Beth Zotter "All the other teams had lost two games already, so it was vital that we win."

As yesterday's result proved, Harvard was more than ready to take on its opposition.

Thirty-seven minutes into the first half, the Crimson exploded with the first and what would prove to be the only goal of the match.

Junior Naomi Miller took a free kick from 25 yards out and drilled the ball towards the net.

Dartmouth's goalie made a move to catch the ball, but was unable to hold on as the ball popped out of her hands.

The Big Green then watched helplessly as senior Keren Gudeman picked up the loose ball and knocked home the winning goal.

Amazingly, this play was no fortunate coincidence for the Crimson. It was a carefully planned and rehearsed strategy.

"Coach [Tim Wheaton] knew the goalie and knew that she dropped balls frequently," said sophomore Ashley Berman. "Last week we practiced positioning ourselves so that if she dropped the ball, we'd be ready for it and could get the score."

Indeed this tactic was carried out perfectly against the Big Green as the Crimson capitalized on its opponents only, yet fatal, mistake of the game.