Columbia, MD – A physical game between two conference rivals resulted in a tough loss for a Dragons team that fought hard to comeback in the contest.
 
A highly exciting first half of soccer saw both teams with great opportunities to score. The Cougars Vagner Marques-Rodriguez squandered three excellent opportunities with two in particular that seemed like easy tap ins that went wide of the net.

The Dragons had their share of chances to score as well highlighted by Anderson Mejia Marroquin (Elkridge, MD/Hammond) who was able to collect a long ball by Daniel Fuentes (Clarksville, MD/River Hill) and got around the Cougars goalkeeper only to see his shot at the empty net go over the crossbar.

Howard had four first half corners and almost converted on one of them as Alexander Estrada-Avila (Ellicott City, MD/Oakland Mills) was saved by the Frederick goalkeeper.

Frederick was able to go ahead just before half as Primo Fogam scored on a rebounded shot to give the Cougars a lead into the break.

Fogam doubled up just after halftime with some fancy footwork to get through the Dragons' defense and shoot into the bottom of the crossbar as the ball went straight down and was judged by the assistant referee to have crossed the goal like for a goal.

Howard got some hope in the 77th minute when a dangerous cross into the box was knocked in by the Cougars' Divin Gouma to halve the Frederick lead.

The Dragons were given a boost in the 87th minute when Fogam was shown a second yellow card and was sent off the field to Frederick down a man.

With the seconds dwindling down, the Dragons almost made a miracle happen as a Bryce Waller (Clarksville, MD/River Hill) free kick with 10 seconds left was headed back to the middle of the box by Gionni Gupta (Clarksville, MD/River Hill). Forward Anderson Mejia Marroquin (Elkridge, MD/Hammond) was able to get his head on the ball towards goal but Frederick goalkeeper Ismael Hernandez was able to snag the ball before it crossed the line as time ran out on the Dragons.

Howard will look to rebound right away as they host Cecil College on Friday, September 21 for a 4 PM game.