WASHINGTON (August 9, 2021) – Howard University women's soccer team unveiled its 2021 slate where they will celebrate their 25^th anniversary since the program's inception (1995). This season also features HU's first year competing in the Northeast Conference (NEC).
 
"We are very excited to get this season started and to celebrate our program's 25^th anniversary," said Howard women's soccer head coach Brent Leiba. "Our slate of non-conference games will be demanding and will help prepare us for our NEC schedule."
 
After a pair of road exhibition contests at Robert Morris (Aug. 13) and Towson (Aug. 15), the Bison begin their 15-match regular season schedule hosting Hampton (Aug. 23) at Greene Stadium.
 
Prior to league play, Howard travels to Dover, Del., to take on Delaware State (Aug. 27) before returning to The Mecca for back-to-back home matches against Longwood (Sept. 2) and Loyola (Md.) (Sept. 9).
 
"We are elated to be joining the NEC this year," Leiba continued. "We look forward to the challenge ahead of us as we begin to form new rivalries."
 
HU opens league play at Merrimack (Sept. 19), followed by three consecutive home contests versus Bryant (Sept. 23), Wagner (Sept. 26) and Long Island (Sept. 30).
 
After a brutal three-match road swing at St. Francis-Brooklyn (Oct. 3), Sacred Heart (Oct. 10) and Central Connecticut State (Oct. 14), the Bison face nearby Navy in their final nonconference showdown at Greene Stadium (Oct. 18).
 
On Oct. 21, Howard welcomes Saint Francis (Pa.) on Senior Night. Three days later (Oct. 24), the Bison square off against Mount St. Mary's in their home finale.  That same day, the program will celebrate its 25^th year anniversary.
 
"This will be a special weekend for our program as we get an opportunity to honor those players that helped build our foundation while celebrating the seniors that continue to carry the torch," Leiba stated. "This is an exceptional senior class and have been leading examples of what you look for in a student-athlete on the pitch and in the classroom! GO BISON!"
 
Howard closes out the regular season at Fairleigh Dickinson (Oct. 31) in their final tune-up before the NEC Tournament (Nov. 5-7).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the NEC website at www.northeastconference.org.