ROSEDALE, MD — Howard Community College women's soccer took an early lead Thursday evening, but CCBC Essex rallied with four unanswered goals to earn a 4-1 victory at CCBC Essex Stadium.
Gabriela Rodriguez put the Dragons in front just three minutes into the match as she pounced on a mistake by the Essex defense as she hit a sprawling shot into an empty net, giving the visitors an early 1-0 advantage.
Howard goalkeeper Sophia Newman was tested throughout the opening half as Essex generated 19 shots. Newman kept the Dragons in front through the first half's opening stages, making 10 saves before the hosts eventually broke through.
Essex tied the match in the 34th minute when Aubrey O'Connell scored off an assist from Chelsea Stubel. Just two minutes later, Allison Forsythe gave Essex the lead, sending the hosts into halftime ahead 2-1.
The Dragons continued to battle defensively in the second half, with Newman making three additional saves. Howard also had an opportunity to cut into the deficit late when Rodriguez put a shot on goal in the 81st minute, but Essex goalkeeper Allyson Foos made the save.
Essex added some insurance in the final 11 minutes. Forsythe scored her second goal of the night in the 79th minute, assisted by Casey Reese, before O'Connell added her second goal less than a minute later to make it 4-1.
Newman finished with 13 saves for Howard as Rodriguez accounted for both of the Dragons' shots on goal.
With the loss, Howard falls to 2-4-0 on the season, while CCBC Essex improves to 6-0-0. The Dragons will return home to host Hagerstown on Tuesday, September 22 at 4:30 PM.
