WASHINGTON, D.C. — Howard women's soccer (1-5-3, 1-1-1 NEC) built a two-goal advantage in the second half but saw Central Connecticut State (4-6-1, 2-1-1 NEC) rally for two goals in just over two minutes, as the Bison played the Blue Devils to a 2-2 draw Thursday afternoon at Greene Stadium.
Howard generated three shots in the opening four minutes, with
Imani Kissi (Dublin, Ohio) putting the first attempt on frame at 2:38 before
Asia Mickens-Perez (Upper Marlboro, Md.) and
Jaidyn Curry (Lorton, Va.) followed with shots that were saved by the CCSU Blue Devil in goal.
Howard continued to pressure the Blue Devils, earning corner kicks in the 21st and 23rd minutes before breaking through. At 23:38,
Maya Blackston (Alexandria, Va.) put Howard on the board, giving the Bison a 1-0 lead. Howard continued to threaten before halftime, with
Nadia Bolden (Charlotte, N.C.),
Hailey Smith (Hayward, Calif.) and Kissi each forcing saves from Ford during a stretch of pressure in the 32nd minute. Unable to add on, Howard carried its 1-0 advantage into halftime.
The Bison continued to create opportunities early in the second half, with Kissi and
Dominique Desert (Park Ridge, N.J.) each recording shots before Howard doubled its lead.
At 57:40, Howard was awarded a penalty kick following a foul on CCSU's Rachel Wygant. Bolden converted the opportunity into a 2-0 advantage. The point marked Bolden's first career goal at Greene Stadium.
CCSU retaliated quickly. At 59:51, Central Connecticut cut the deficit to 2-1. Just over two minutes later, at 62:00, the Blue Devils scored again to level the playing field, 2-2.
Howard continued to attack following the equalizer. Mickens-Perez put a shot wide in the 69th minute, while Horton forced a save in the 72nd minute. Blackston also tested the keeper moments later, but the CCSU goalkeeper made another stop.
The Blue Devils had an opportunity to take the lead in the 81st minute after being awarded a penalty kick, but the attempt went wide.
Howard continued to work for the game-winner in the final minutes. Mickens-Perez recorded another shot on target in the 84th minute, while
Adora Nwosu (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) forced CCSU into a save in the closing seconds.
Blackston and Bolden each finished with a goal for Howard. Blackston added three shots, including two on goal, while Bolden recorded three shots and two shots on target. Mickens-Perez finished with three shots and two on goal, while Kissi recorded three shots, all on target.
Knox made four saves in 85:40 of action, while
Ruby Lancaster (Sydney, Australia) added one save in 4:20.
Howard finished with 21 shots, including 14 on goal, while CCSU recorded 13 shots with seven on frame. The Bison earned five corner kicks compared to six for the Blue Devils.
Howard returns to action Sunday at 5 p.m., continuing conference play against Delaware State at DSU.
For more information on Howard women's soccer, visit the official Howard Athletics website
www.hubison.com.
