Keyser, WV – An exciting first game of the season gave new head coach Jose Benitez his first career collegiate win as the Dragons defeated Potomac State 2-1.
 
Potomac State came out strong in the early parts of the game, forcing Howard to defend a series of corner kicks early on. However, it was the Dragons who would strike first as sophomore sensation Melissa Villatoro (Riverdale, MD/Parkdale) was able to slice through the Catamount defense and hammer home a shot to score the first of the season for the team.
 
Veteran goalkeeper Olivia Jackson (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial) saw a fair number of chances come her way, but she was up to the test including a great save on a long free kick in the final minute of the first half.
 
The Dragons continued to play defensive for much of the game as they were playing with just 11 players for most of the contest after an early injury. Villatoro continued to be a threat in the second half as she forced a couple of tough saves from the Potomac State goalkeeper then drawing a foul in the offensive third. That is when the left footed center back Giselle Castillo (Falls Church, VA/Justice) stepped up and hit a gorgeous 25 yard free kick into the top corner of the net to double the Howard lead to 2-0.
 
Pressure mounted against the Dragons late as the 10^th corner kick of the game for the Catamounts finally gave them a way past Jackson in the 88^th minute of the game, but it proved too little too late as the Dragons were able to hold on and win the season opener.
 
The Dragons will next get to host their home opener when the Montgomery Raptors come to town on Thursday, September 7 for a 2 PM matinee.