Box Score WASHINGTON, DC --- An early first half goal proved to be too much for the Howard women's soccer team to overcome as the Lady Bison fell to the visiting UMBC Retrievers, 1-0, in their home opener at Greene Stadium Friday evening.
 
UMBC (3-0) netted what proved to be the game-winning goal against Howard (0-2) in the 7th minute as senior midfielder Lilly Rydon took advantage of a misplayed ball by Howard senior goalkeeper Kyra Dickinson to grab the one-goal edge they maintained throughout the game.
 
The Lady Bison lost the shots battle (10 to 15; 7 to 9 on goal) but had several opportunities – especially in the second half – that they could not capitalize on. A flurry of shots by junior forwards Nikanya Clark and Rasheeda Ansari midday through the second period provided some excitement but were not enough to tie the game.
 
Ansari played well in her first game at home for Howard after transferring from Memphis, putting all of her game-high four shots on goal and showing flashes of elite speed and dribbling skill.
 
Dickinson finished the game strong, stopping the final eight shots she faced while playing all 90 minutes.
 
Howard will have a week to prepare for the second of three straight home games – a 7 pm matchup against Loyola University Maryland on Friday, September 5.

Along with HUBison.com, you can keep up with Howard Athletics online by: making sure you LIKE our Facebook Page (Howard University Athletics); following our Twitter (@HUBisonSports) and Instagram (@HUBisonSports) pages; or visiting our YouTube Channel (HUSportsInfo).