COLUMBIA, MD —
Gabriela Rodriguez scored three goals, including a pair in the first half, but Howard Community College came up just short Tuesday afternoon, falling to CCBC Catonsville 4-3 at home.
Rodriguez led the Dragons' offensive attack with nine shots and six shots on goal. She scored twice in a span of less than five minutes in the first half to erase an early two-goal deficit before adding her third goal in the second half.
CCBC Catonsville opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Gianna Barracato converted a pass from Stephanie Ohl. Ohl then doubled the Cardinals' lead in the 24th minute.
Howard answered quickly as Rodriguez put the Dragons on the board in the 26th minute on a long shot from midfield, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Just over four minutes later, Rodriguez nearly hit an olympico as her corner kick was knocked away from goal on a handball by defender Cecilia Hannibal, resulting in a direct red card ejection. Rodriguez would go on to convert a penalty kick to tie the match at 2-2.
Catonsville regained the lead just before halftime when Ohl scored her second goal of the match. After a
Madison Falby direct red card for a last defender foul, Ohl hit a free kick as time expired into the back of the net sending the Cardinals into the break with a 3-2 advantage.
The Cardinals added to their lead in the 53rd minute when Barracato scored her second goal of the afternoon, assisted by Ohl, to make it 4-2.
Howard refused to go quietly. Rodriguez completed her hat trick in the 61st minute, with
Anica Munoz providing the assist on a long free kick, pulling the Dragons within one at 4-3.
The Dragons had opportunities to equalize, including a penalty kick in the 52nd minute, but Rodriguez's attempt was saved by Catonsville goalkeeper Kayla Cox. Howard continued to pressure the Cardinals late, recording several shots and corner kicks, but could not find the tying goal.
Shyann Hansen made nine saves in goal for Howard, while Cox stopped six shots for Catonsville.
Howard finished with 13 shots and four corner kicks, compared with 20 shots and three corners for the Cardinals. The Dragons also held a 9-4 advantage in second-half shots.
Howard will look to bounce back Friday, September 11, when the Dragons host Harford Community College at 4:30 PM.
