WASHINGTON (September 2, 2018) --- Howard women's soccer (1-4) displayed great effort in a high intensity game today against Longwood University (2-3-1) in Greene Stadium. This was the second close match for the Bison this weekend. The team had to readjust the lineup due to eight Bison missing from game play. Seven were out due to injury. The other one is on assignment with the Bermuda National Team. Howard adjusted well, but ultimately was unable to come away with the win.

"Today's loss was a very difficult one against Longwood. I was proud of the perseverance we displayed in scoring three goals," said head coach Brent Leiba.

In the first half, Howard avoided a shutout when freshman midfielder Chloe Brown scored in the closing seconds. Brown's goal was a momentum shift for the team.

The second half opened with a close call. A shot by Longwood's Kennedy Culbreath was saved by Howard goalkeeper Mackenzie Diotte. The changing tide did not stop the Lancers from attempting shots. Soon after Culbreath's shot, Lancers forward Kathryn Miller posted a corner kick and midfielder Annie Boros attempted a shot that hit the goal post. Howard goalkeeper Mackenzie Diotte was solid on defense. She recorded seven saves in the game.

The Bison took advantage of the misses, making two goals which were unanswered most of the second half. Hollie Cartwright scored at the 66 minute mark giving the Bison the extra confidence boost they needed.

"Unfortunately, we have now lost three games in the final few minutes of the game. We had opportunities to win each of those games but didn't take advantage of our chances and made critical mistakes in critical moments. With that being said, given that we were missing eight players today, our players accepted the challenge and displayed a "next person up" mentality," Leiba explained.

After failing to take advantage of a few key plays, sophomore forward Bayley Carmichael landed a goal with just under 15 minutes left in regulation. Carmichael tied the game, 3-3.
As the clock began to wind down, the game appeared to be heading to overtime. The Lancers' Carrie Reaver had other plans. A game-winning header in the final three minutes of the game sealed the deal for Longwood. The Lancers outshot Howard, 26-6.

"We played well especially in the second half but I want to see us put a complete game together. We grew as a team today especially given the adversity of the players we are missing and we are looking forward to our upcoming away game against Robert Morris!" expressed Leiba.

The Bison compete on the road for their next two matches. They return home to Greene Stadium on September 17 where they face Navy at 7 p.m.

About Howard University Athletics
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.