Columbia, MD - In their final home game of the regular season, the Howard Community College Dragons fell to the Harford Community College Fighting Owls 2-0.
The Dragons gave up an early goal, but kept the game within striking distance throughout the first half thanks to aggressive defensive play. A second Harford goal halfway through the second half put the game away for the Fighting Owls.
Harford struck first three and a half minutes into the game with a Lawrence Taishier goal, putting the Dragons in an early hole. However, the Dragon's defense held their ground throughout the remainder of the half. In particular, tough defensive play from
Kyle Simmons (Columbia, MD/Atholton) broke up key scoring opportunities for the Fighting Owls. Goalkeeper
Luke Ryerson (Ellicott City, MD/Howard) made several amazing saves to complement the defense's performance.
On offense, the Dragons struggled to find openings in Harford's defensive line. Trailing 1-0 at the half, the Dragons got several big chances early in the second period. Momentum was sapped back to the Fighting Owls when Taishier scored for the second time. While the Dragons would continue to play fiercely, they never threatened again allowing the FIghting Owls to win 2-0.
Sam Santos (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) finished the game with a game-leading four shots and two shots on goal.
Truce Norton (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) had two shots on goal, while
Rafa Benetiz (Hyattsville, MD/Eleanor Roosevelt) had two shots as well.
Chris Herzog (Ellicott City, MD/Howard),
Kyle Simmons (Columbia, MD/Atholton),
Sebastian Fonseca (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills), and
Darian Paz (Fredericksburg, VA/Stafford) each had one shot. Goalkeeper
Luke Ryerson (Ellicott City, MD/Howard) saved seven of nine shots.
The Dragons next face Region 20 powerhouse CCBC Essex on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00 PM.
