Dundalk, MD - The #4 seed Dragons played a brilliant defensive game, holding the #15 nationally ranked CCBC Essex Knights scoreless for 95 minutes before an overtime goal ended their season in the regional tournament semifinals.

After falling to the Knights 2-0 in the regular season, the Dragons came out of the game playing defensively, which was made more difficult when starting defender Katelyn Burdette (Frederick, MD/Walkersville) went down injured in the ninth minute. Natalia Sandoval (Burtonsville, MD/James Hubert Blake) replaced her and proceeded to play a fantastic game to hold the powerful Essex team along with a great game from the defensive line of Sofie Pulone (Catonsville, MD/Catonsville), Sarah Woods (Laurel, MD/Reservoir), Sage Huber (West Friendship, MD/Glenelg), and Madison Dzubak (Highland, MD/River Hill).

Howard goalkeeper Giselle Castillo (Falls Church, VA/Justice) played the game of her life, making 13 saves while also cutting out numerous fast break and cross chances to keep the Dragons even.

The Dragons worked their way into the game more as the 15th minute saw the tide turn with great scoring chances by Mireida Castillo (Falls Church, VA/Falls Church), Melissa Villatoro (Riverdale, MD/Parkdale), and Molly Nichols (Mt. Airy, MD/Glenelg) all being parried away. Nichols had arguably the best chance on goal in the 24th minute as her shot from the middle of the box was saved by the Essex goalkeeper. The Knights possessed the ball for much of the second half, but the Dragons nearly stole the game away when Jaylene Sotelo (/) saw her rocketed shot go just high of the net.

Essex was finally able to break through the Howard brick wall when a foul occurred just outside of the Dragons' 18 yard box as the ensuing free kick was powered into the top of the net to end the Howard season. G. Castillo and Pulone were named to the all-tournament team for their efforts in the game.