COLUMBIA, MD — The Howard Community College women's soccer team opened the 2026 season on Tuesday afternoon, falling 3-1 to Carroll Community College. The Dragons held the Lynx close in a hotly contested bout that had its fair share of controversy while also seeing the emergence of a star goalkeeper.
Carroll took control in the first half with goals in the 28th and 42nd minutes to carry a 2-0 advantage into halftime. The Howard defense led by
Anica Munoz and
Caly Smithson helped limit the pressure, but the efforts of freshman goalkeeper
Sophia Newman making numerous diving saves.
Howard responded quickly after the break as the Dragons scored just two minutes into the second half.
Maeve Daly was able to steal the ball away and feed to
Ashly Dominguez who powered a shot in the net to put Dragons on the board and bring Howard within one at 2-1.
The Dragons continued to battle for an equalizer, with
Gabriela Rodriguez recording three shots, all on target. Rodriguez was able to find the back of the net for what would have been the tying goal, but the referee called the play back adjudicating that Rodriguez interfered with the Carroll goalkeeper.
More drama occurred a few minutes later when a ball hit the Carroll defender with an outstretched hand in her own penalty box, but the referee deemed it to be incidental contact. Carroll extended its lead in the 83rd minute with its third goal of the afternoon, closing out the 3-1 final.
Newman turned in a busy performance in goal for Howard, making an astounding 18 saves over the full 90 minutes. The Dragons also earned two corner kicks in the second half that nearly resulted in the potential equalizer.
Howard opens the season at 0-1, but will get another chance when Prince George's comes to town on Friday, August 28 at 4:30 PM.
