WASHINGTON, D.C. — Howard University women's soccer battled Hampton to a 1-1 draw Saturday afternoon at Audi Field in the second annual HBCU Invitational.
The Bison (0-0-2) took a first-half lead on the first collegiate goal from freshman
Dominique Desert, but Hampton (0-2-1) found the equalizer late in the second half as the teams finished level after 90 minutes.
Howard, the reigning champions of last year's inaugural HBCU Soccer Invitational, took the lead in the 40th minute when Desert broke through. A free kick from
Demi Owens (Teaneck, NJ) combined with a cross from
Alauna Rutland (Fairfax, VA) set up the goal, leading Desert to finish the opportunity, giving the Bison a 1-0 advantage.
The goal capped a strong sequence for Howard after
Imani Kissi (Dublin, OH) had an attempt saved by the Hampton goalkeeper moments earlier. Kissi finished with three shots, including one on goal, while Rutland added a shot on target.
Hampton created several opportunities throughout the opening half, but Howard goalkeeper
Trinity Knox (Atlanta) kept the Pirates off the board. Knox made four saves in the first half.
Howard carried the 1-0 lead into halftime despite Hampton holding a 9-5 advantage in shots during the opening period.
The Pirates continued to pressure the Bison after the break, but Knox remained steady in goal. She turned away a shot in the 64th minute before making consecutive saves in the final 10 minutes.
Hampton eventually found the equalizer in the 85th minute, leveling the match at 1-1.
Howard had an opportunity to regain the lead in the closing minutes, but neither team could find a winner as the match ended in a draw.
Knox finished with eight saves on the afternoon. The Pirates held a 19-8 advantage in shots and a 9-4 edge in shots on goal, but Howard's defensive effort helped secure the point.
The draw marked the second tie between Howard and Hampton in the last 11 years.
The Bison return to action Thursday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m. for their first road match of the season when they travel to face Florida Atlantic. The matchup will mark the first meeting between Howard and the Owls.
For more information on Howard women's soccer, visit the official Howard Athletics website,
www.hubison.com.
