New Britain, CT--When the Howard University women's soccer team squared off Central Connecticut State back on September 28, both teams were undefeated in NEC play at 3-0.  The Bison (12-5-2, 6-3-1 in the NEC) got on the board first on Melea Earley's (La Miranda, Calif.) goal which was assisted by Marli Berry (Orangevale, Calif.).

Howard appeared to be in good shape, but the veteran Blue Devils (9-4-4, 7-0-3 in the NEC) scored two second-half goals and kept the Bison scoreless en route to a 2-1 victory.  In that game, Howard won the statistical battle of shots (16-12) and shots on goals (8-6) but CCSU showed why they are the perennial class in the conference, having won 9 tournament titles in 10 seasons and finishing undefeated in conference play for the second straight season.

"We learned a lot from that game," says Howard Head Coach Brent Leiba.  "Give them credit, they played and did what they had to do in the second half.  They know how to win and that comes from their success and experience."  The win by CCSU stopped the Bison's seven-game win streak.

The two meet again, this time with more at stake in the semifinals of the NEC Tournament on Thursday at 6 at CCSU.  The game will be streamed live on NEC Front Row.

Leiba says that he is confident that the team has learned a lot since that game over a month ago and is primed to take on the challenge.

"We have the experience of having played against Central Connecticut State University, Merrimack, and FDU, the top three teams in the conference," he notes.  "We benefited from that and we are now more experienced to meet the challenge."

In the first-round tournament match against Sacred Heart on Sunday at home, it was a first-half goal from senior midfielder Berry at the 30:36 mark on an assist from Samantha James (Herndon, Va.) that proved ultimately to be the difference.  From there, the defense took over to advance to the semifinal round.

Much of the season's turnaround and getting to this point has to do with the play of veterans, junior forward Earley (team-leading 28 points), senior midfielders Berry (18 points) and Nyla Allen (Elmont, NY) (16 points) and freshman forward, James (14 points, team-high 8 assists).

West Virginia red-shirt sophomore transfer Samone Knight (The Woodlands, Texas) has been a valuable force on defense.  Yet we would be remiss if we did not mention the play of super freshman goalkeeper Trinity Knox (Fort Knox).  The native from Atlanta, Ga. has exceeded all expectations.  She has been brilliant in goal with 88 saves. She recorded seven saves in the second half of the victory over Sacred Heart and was named the NEC Defensive Player of the Week.

"She has been unbelievable for us,'" says Leiba, trying to contain his praise. "Much of the difference from last year to this year has been her play in goal.  She plays like a four-year veteran."

The winner takes on the winner of the other semifinal round between Merrimack and Wagner on Sunday at 7 p.m.  The site will be determined following the semifinal round. The matchup will be broadcast on NEC Front Row and ESPN+.

For more information visit www.HUBison.com and/or www.northeastconference.org.