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On Tuesday night, the Yale men’s soccer team fought to a 1–1 draw against No. 4 New Hampshire, asserting itself as a team capable of contesting the nation’s top programs.

Yale (4–3–3, 1–0–1 Ivy) traveled to Durham to face off against the undefeated Wildcats (12–0–1, 4–0–0 America East). New Hampshire — ranked fourth nationally at the time — entered the contest without a single loss or tie on the season. However, after 110 minutes of soccer, the Bulldogs tarnished the Wildcats’ record by playing to a 1–1 tie. After a scoreless first half, the Wildcats struck first as Linus Fallberg scored on a rebound after a New Hampshire shot rattled off the crossbar. Yale equalized with less than four minutes remaining in the game as the team’s leading scorer, Paolo Carroll ’23, got on the end of a cross from midfielder Jules Oberg ’23. The Elis created a number of potentially game-winning chances in overtime, but the contest ultimately ended in Yale’s third tie of the season.

“We are really happy with the performance against a very good team on the road,” head coach Kylie Stannard said in an email to the News. “The team has a lot of belief in each other no matter the result, but a performance like that can only help build positive momentum and a desire to want more.”

According to Stannard, a number of starters missed the game due to “load management.” As a result, Yale began the game with an extremely young roster, with just three upperclassmen among its 11 starters. Despite their youth, the Elis competed throughout the first half, holding their opponent scoreless through the first 45 minutes of play. The Wildcats scored 30 goals in their first 12 games alone.

15 minutes into the game, a New Hampshire defender lofted a long ball forward over the Elis’ back line. Goalkeeper Chris Edwards ’24 — who made his first start of the season — came off his line to punch the ball away before the Wildcat forward could make an attempt on goal.

The Wildcats finally broke through for the first tally of the game nine minutes into the second half. A pass from the right midfielder split Yale defenders Jake Schaffer ’24 and Yasin Aly ’25, and an eager Wildcat forward rocketed a left-footed shot off of the crossbar. The rebound fell to Linus Fallberg, who found the back of the net before the Yale keeper could get back in goal.

As the clock approached the 90 minute mark, the Bulldogs continued searching for an equalizer. An opportunity arose on a Yale free kick with just over four minutes remaining on the clock. Forward Eric Lagos ’24 headed the ball on target, forcing a save from the New Hampshire keeper. The equalizer quickly followed when midfielder Thomas Toney ’23 passed the ball back to Oberg on the right side of the pitch. Using his right foot, Oberg whipped an inswinging cross into the box, finding Carroll, who was unmarked on the back post. Carroll blasted a one time finish into the back of the net to record his seventh goal of the season and send the game into overtime.

During the two 10-minute periods, the Elis had the better chances. Outshooting New Hampshire 4–3, Yale had numerous opportunities to score the golden goal that would have secured the win. In the second overtime period, midfielder Quanah Brayboy ’25 forced the Wildcat keeper to make a save from close range. Brayboy’s shot appeared to have deflected off of the arm of a New Hampshire defender, and the Bulldogs appealed for a handball. The referee waved away the protests, however, and did not grant the penalty kick.

With three ties in its last four games, Yale now returns to Ivy play as it prepares to face off against No. 19 Cornell (8–1–1, 2–0–0 Ivy) on Saturday.

“The team has been learning and trying to get better each game,” Carroll said. “The game against UNH showed we can compete with anyone right now. Saturday against Cornell is going to be a tough game, and we are excited to play.”

The Big Red, who currently sits atop the Ivy League standings, will challenge the Blue and White with its offensive firepower. Cornell currently ranks second nationally in points per game and has scored 10 goals in its last three games alone. The Big Red also ranks second in the United Soccer Coaches Northeast Region, trailing the Bulldogs’ most recent opponent New Hampshire.

“We are focusing on ourselves — being disciplined, detail-oriented, and stubborn,” Schaffer said when asked about the team’s preparation for the matchup against Cornell. “We have obviously scouted them, but we are more concerned with the things that we can control.”

The Blue and White kick off against Cornell at 4 p.m on Saturday at Reese Stadium. The game will stream live on ESPN+.