CLEVELAND, Ohio - Howard University women's soccer team dropped its season opener in a 2-1 overtime loss against Cleveland State University (CSU) on Friday, August 17 at Kenzler Field.  Senior Jasmin Miller scored the team's only goal in a slow starting game that only allowed each team to get one look at the goal in the first 30 minutes.

"We played a very strong Cleveland State team and unfortunately did not come away with the result. There were a lot of positives that we can take away from the game, individually and collectively," stated head coach Brent Leiba.

At the 54 minute mark in the second half, Miller capitalized off of a CSU turnover with a high shot from the goalkeeper's left from 12 yards as CSU's Stevie Holbrook unsuccessfully attempted to intercept Miller's shot. Howard led 1-0; however, CSU freshman Ja'Maya Ward answered almost immediately tying the game 1-1.

"We certainly had our opportunities to win the game and had a couple of defensive lapses that made the difference in the game. We will learn from this and improve" declared Leiba.

Ohio-native Jordan Taylor led the attack with three shots and assisted Miller in the Bison's only goal. Defensively, goalkeeper Alayah Hightower played the entire game and recorded two saves. With no additional goals in regulation, the game went into overtime.

Although Howard had the first two shots in overtime, the Bison could not connect. Ultimately, CSU forward Sarah Krause ended the game with an assist from midfielder Dani Sowinski, leading to a season-opening away loss for the Bison with two seconds left on the clock.  Overall, the Bison were outshot by the Vikings 19-6.  

Howard heads to Youngstown State University on Sunday, Aug. 19 to face the Penguins. Match-time is set for 1 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.