WASHINGTON (September 18, 2022) – Howard University sophomore Bryson Baker (Ellicott City, Md.) helped the men's soccer team secure their first win of the season, producing his second career hat trick in the victory over VMI, 4-3, at Greene Stadium.
 
With the win, HU improved to 1-4 while the Cadets fell to 0-6-1 on the season.
 
Baker gave the Bison a 1-0 advantage before intermission, thanks to an assist from newcomer Jorden Julien (Long Island, N.Y.).
 
After the break, VMI tied the contest with a goal from Cole Mooney at the 46-minute mark, 1-1.
 
Moments later, Baker was fouled inside the box where he capitalized on the penalty kick and gave the Bison a 2-1 edge.
 
Three minutes later, the Maryland native scored his third goal of the contest and put HU ahead, 3-1.
 
At the 63-minute mark, newcomer Nigel McCloud added an insurance goal and gave Howard a 4-1 advantage.
 
With time dwindling, VMI responded with a pair of goals and pulled within one, 4-3, but HU held off the Cadets' late charge to secure win No. 1 on the season.
 
Overall, Howard outshot VMI, 22-15.
 
Freshman goalkeeper JR Gawel (St. Mary's Md.) had a career-high eight saves in the win.
 
Wednesday (Sept. 21), HU goes across town to face George Washington in nonconference play. Match time is slated for 1 p.m. on ESPN+.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.