Essex, MD - A tense soccer atmosphere for rivaling teams saw the #20 ranked CCBC Essex Knights come out on top of the Howard Dragons 2-0.

The Knights saw the majority of the chances early on, with Howard goalkeeper Olivia Jackson (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial) making three saves in the first two minutes of play alone on her way to a nine save performance in the game.

Howard's Sage Huber (West Friendship, MD/Glenelg) nearly scored against the run of play in the 20th minute as her shot dragged just wide. Essex broke through in the 36th minute to take the 1-0 lead as they were finally able to get one past Jackson.

A wild series of events saw an Essex shot cleared off the line by Sarah Woods (Laurel, MD/Reservoir) which started Casey Boin (Ellicott City, MD/Mount De Sales) on a counter attacking run in the 40th minute, but her shot was parried away. The second half started just as wild as a double shot by the Knights saw Jackson make another incredible save. Her quick punt forward saw Jaylene Sotelo (/) work a 2 vs 1 breakaway as her pass found a wide open Molly Nichols (Mt. Airy, MD/Glenelg), with her shot going just wide of the net.

Essex was able to score an insurance goal late, despite a heroic effort by the Howard defensive line to hold the Knights down.

The Dragons will finally get to enjoy their home opener as Brookdale comes to town on Saturday, September 10 at 12 PM.