WASHINGTON, D.C. — Howard University women's soccer (4-8-4, 4-4-2 NEC) closed its regular season with a 2-1 victory over Mercyhurst University (5-12-1, 4-5-1 NEC) Sunday afternoon at Greene Stadium.
Before the match, Howard recognized seniors
Imani Bogue Bieniemy (Henderson, Nev.),
Courtney McClure (Auburn, Ga.), Rutland, Mickens-Perez, Curry,
Karly Leine Bacarisas (Silver Spring, Md.) and Knox for their contributions to the program.
The two NEC teams played a scoreless first half, with Howard creating several opportunities. Junior Amelia Horton (New Albany, Ohio) put three shots on goal in the opening 27 minutes, but the Laker in goal stopped each attempt.
Jaidyn Curry (Lorton, Va.) and
Alauna Rutland (Fairfax, Va.) also tested the visitors' defense, while
Trinity Knox (Atlanta) made an early save to keep Mercyhurst off the scoreboard.
Howard continued to apply pressure after the break.
Maya Blackston (Alexandria, Va.) and Curry each took shots in the opening three minutes of the second half, and
Asia Mickens-Perez (Upper Marlboro, Md.) forced a save in the 58th minute.
Imani Kissi (Dublin, Ohio) added two attempts as the Bison kept the visitors under pressure.
The breakthrough came in the 66th minute. Kissi set up
Nadia Bolden (Charlotte, N.C.), who found the back of the net at 65:35 to give Howard a 1-0 lead.
The Bison doubled their advantage just over four minutes later. At 69:46, Curry and Blackston assisted Mickens-Perez, who finished the opportunity to put Howard ahead, 2-0.
Howard continued to threaten, with
Brianna Wells (Hanover, Md.) and Horton recording attempts in the minutes that followed. Knox and the Bison defense faced increased pressure late in the match, and Mercyhurst cut the deficit to 2-1 at 84:50.
Knox made additional saves down the stretch, including stops on attempts in the 86th minute, as Howard protected its lead through the final whistle.
Howard finished with a 22-10 advantage in shots and a 10-5 edge in shots on goal. Knox recorded four saves in 90 minutes, while the Bison earned seven corner kicks.
Howard finished the season 4-8-4 overall and 4-4-2 in conference play.
Nadia Bolden led the Bison with six goals and 12 points, scoring the first collegiate goal of her career during the 2026 season. Kissi paced Howard with five assists, while Mickens-Perez led the team with 29 shots, including 18 on goal. In goal, Knox recorded a career-high 99 saves for the season and earned four victories.
For more information on women's soccer, visit the official Howard Athletics website
www.hubison.com.
