The #2 ranked Dragons suffered a tough 9-8 loss to #4 ranked Nassau Community College on a rainy Saturday afternoon to start their '18 campaign (0-1, 0-0). Despite the loss, sophomore attacker Will Smith (Rockville, MD/Rockville) finished the day with 4 goals and an assist.

Neither team was able to get anything going offensively in the first quarter until Smith rocketed in his first two goals of the game. However, Nassau was able to get on the board with a goal on the ensuing possession.

Nassau opened up the scoring in the second period with a score in the 8th minute, but Howard was able to respond three minutes later on a Alex Stephanos (Ellicott City, MD/Howard) assisted goal by Jake Mackenzie (Mount Airy, MD/South Carroll). However, the Lions managed to score a trio of goals in a span of 3:39 to close out the first half with a 5-3 lead.

The momentum of the game shifted in Howard's favor as they punched in scores at the beginning and end of the third quarter to tie the game at 5 apiece. Ian Decker (Orlando, FL/Dr. Phillips) put one home 19 seconds into the third on an assist from Braden Martin (Frederick, MD/Middletown) and Smith earned his third goal of the day with 1:37 left.

The fourth quarter was a thriller as there were three lead changed in a matter of minutes. However, Nassau was able to pull away with three goals in two minutes to take a 9-7 lead. The Dragons were able to keep the game interesting with a last second goal from midfield with 4 seconds left.

When asked about the loss, Smith said "It was a tough loss...but a great learning experience for [the] team". He also said that the loss "will help prepare us mentally and physically for the rest of the season".

The Dragons will look to put this game behind them and earn their first win on the season at Union Community College on March 3.