Columbia, MD - Howard Community College's men's soccer team faced their first real test of the season on Thursday afternoon, defeating CCBC Catonsville 1-0.

Facing a tough Cardinals team that surprised the Dragons, Howard out-shot the Cardinals 35-5, but could only muster one goal thanks to a tough Catonsville defense.

Howard had plenty of chances to score in the first half, including three corner kicks. A staunch Cardinal defense kept the Dragons scoreless, but the Dragons midfield kept the ball on Catonsville's side of the pitch. Facing a scoreless tie at the half, the Dragons regrouped. Despite not scoring, they had statistically dominated and had the Cardinals exhausted.

The second half continued to be a slog, as the Dragons kept up the pressure on the Cardinals defense. The cracks had begun to show, and in the 74th minute the Dragons finally struck gold. Bryan Barrientos (Catonsville, MD/Catonsville) scored off a pass from Sam Santos (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead they wouldn't reliquish, The win pushed the Dragons to 3-0 on the season, their best start to a year since going 4-0 to start the 2022 campaign.

Barrientos finished the contest with three shots, one shot on goal, and the games only goal. Santos finished with six shots, three shots on goal, and an assist. Truce Norton (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) added seven shots and three shots on goal, while goalkeeper Luke Ryerson (Ellicott City, MD/Howard) made three saves.

Next up for the Dragons is Club Day against Allegany College of Maryland on Saturday, September 7 at 4:00PM.