Arnold, MD – A true test of perseverance between conference and regional rivals saw the Dragons come away with a big 1-0 win thanks to the ninth goal of the season by sophomore sensation
Nikki Vieira (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Colégio Adventista).
An often tense and hard fought beginning of the contest saw the Dragons get the better of the possession for much of the first half, outshooting their opponents 7-1 in the opening 45 minutes of the game.
Despite all those chances Howard was held scoreless for the opening 30 minutes of the game until they were finally able to break through
Dragons midfielder
Hailey Montoya (Redlands, CA/Redlands East Valley) made a great move to get into the Riverhawks box down the left side where she was able to earn a corner kick.
Kristen Ogle (Sykesville, MD/Century) took the in-swinging kick that found the head of Vieira on the near side post as her flick on found its way into the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead.
The Dragons had their chances to extend their lead, especially as a corner kick found the foot of midfielder
Roos Van Remmen (Deventer, Netherlands/Ety Hillesum Lyceum) who just couldn't get enough of the ball to score from just five yards away from goal.
Howard held Anne Arundel to just one shot in the first half, but the Riverhawks came out looking dangerous in the second half with seven shots (five on goal) and eight corners.
In the end, an excellent defensive performance from
Clara Milstead (Eldersburg, MD/Christiana Academy),
Leigh McDonald (Loveland, CO/Mountain View),
Emily Delaney (Catonsville, MD/Catonsville) and
Busi Sokoya (Columbia, MD/Long Reach) was helped by six saves from goalkeeper
Cassandra Padellford (Truckee, CA/Truckee) to keep a well deserved clean sheet for the Dragons.
With the win, the Dragons move six points clear at the top of the conference standings with 15 points (5-0) with Harford and Montgomery tied in second place at nine points each (3-1).
This will set up a massive collision on Thursday, October 4 and 3 PM as the Dragons will travel to Montgomery College where Howard could really solidify their position at the top of the table with a victory.
