As the failed resurgence of the geri curl has shown to the world, it’s important to learn from history’s mistakes. And considering the past between the Harvard women’s soccer team and UConn, both squads would be well served if they heeded such advice if either hopes to advance any farther in this year’s NCAA tournament.

The Crimson (8-6-2) will face the Huskies (16-6-1) this afternoon at Marrone Field in the first round of the postseason in a game that both teams will be calling a revenge match.

Just 16 days ago, then-No. 24 UConn lost to Harvard 1-0 at Ohiri Field on a late second-half goal from freshman Megan Merritt, relegating the team back to non-ranked status.

Ever since then, however, the Huskies have been crying foul play over the decision.

“They were making a claim that the goal wasn’t legit,” said senior midfielder Alisha Moran. “And their coach was really upset about the goal. He thought Megan was offsides.”

Meanwhile, the Crimson looks to exact a bit of revenge against the Huskies from the 2001 tournament, in which UConn beat Harvard 1-0 in the second round to end its playoff hopes.

But the Crimson seems to be a bit more upset about a game that the Huskies didn’t actually play.

“We have a bone to pick with them when last year, they ruined any chance that we had in the end to make the tournament,” Moran said.

Harvard had been scheduled to face the Huskies at the end of both teams’ seasons last year, but a flooded field forced a cancellation of the face-off. Had the Crimson been able to play and defeat the highly-ranked UConn team, its chances for a postseason bid would have been much more likely. As it was though, the game was not rescheduled, and making the upset impossible.

“They wouldn’t play us at the end of the day, and we didn’t make the NCAA’s,” co-captain midfielder Falyne Chave said. “So we’re definitely bitter about it for sure.”

Couple last year’s no show with the 2001 NCAA Tournament, and the Crimson has a lot to prove, especially seniors Emily Colvin, Liza Barber, Moran and Chave, the only players still around from the last tournament team.

“It was really disappointing, and that stuck with the seniors,” Chave said. “I think we’re really fired up because of the history we’ve had with UConn.”

THE UNDERDOGS

If experience is a factor, then Harvard has a lot to overcome. The Crimson is 8-9 all-time in the NCAA tournament, with this year marking its 10th appearance overall and its first since 2001.

On the other hand, the Huskies are playing in their 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament. UConn is one of only two schools to be invited to play in every Division I Tournament since its inception in 1982. The other school is North Carolina, who has won the championship 17 times.