TEANECK, N.J. (October 31, 2021) – Howard University women's soccer team saw its first season as a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC) come to an end after a 1-1 draw at Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU).
 
As a result, HU fell just short of qualifying for the NEC Tournament. Central Connecticut State (CCSU) won the regular season title and will host this year's tourney in Britain, Conn.
 
FDU outshot the Bison, 11-6, but both squads had four attempts apiece after intermission.
 
With halftime approaching, the Knights' Noam Kedem scored her first goal of the season and put Fairleigh Dickinson ahead at the break, 1-0.
 
Moments after intermission, rookie Melea Earley (La Mirada, Calif.) tallied her eighth goal of the season and tied the contest at 1-1.
 
Both clubs were deadlocked at the end of regulation and Howard had a couple opportunities to take the lead in OT, but unsuccessful.
 
Graduate Alayah Hightower (Mitchellville, Md.) registered a match-high six saves in the draw.
 
For FDU (9-5-4, 6-2-2 NEC), they locked up the No. 2 spot behind CCSU and will take on No. 3 Sacred Heart in the NEC Semifinals. Bryant earned the final slot and will face the top-seeded Blue Devils on the other side of the bracket.
 
Despite not making the tournament and missing last year due to COVID-19, head coach Brent Leiba and the Bison secure their third consecutive winning season (6-5-3), dating back to 2017, while also establishing a winning conference record in their first season as a NEC member (5-3-2).
 
Howard looks to build upon this season and prepare for the 2022 campaign.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.