WASHINGTON (September 19, 2026) — Howard University men's soccer (2-5) rallied from an early deficit to defeat VMI (4-6), 2-1, Saturday afternoon at Greene Stadium.
The Bison improved to 8-8-2 all-time against the Keydets, extending their winning streak in the series to two matches and their home-turf winning streak to two.
VMI (Virginia Military Institute) opened the scoring when they found the back of the net in the sixth minute. The Keydets created several opportunities early, including three shots from Yeirin Mejia, with two saved by Howard goalkeeper
Liam Keiller (Gaithersburg, Md.).
Howard continued to work its way into the match with
Corey James (Bethlehem, Pa.) registering the Bison's first shot on goal in the 12
th minute, but VMI goalkeeper Santiago Rocha made the save.
The Bison leveled the match at the 30-minute mark when newcomer
Xavier Sharp (Aurora, Co.) notched his first collegiate goal, thanks to a
Calien Thomas (Ithaca, N.Y.) assist.
Howard came out of the second half looking to take the lead.
Daniil Kaban (Kharkiv, Ukraine) put the Bison ahead in the 54
th minute when he converted a penalty kick (PK) into a goal, giving Howard its first lead day and earning his third goal of the season. The point marked Kaban's second consecutive home game giving HU the advantage off a PK.
VMI continued to pressure the Bison throughout the second half, but Keiller repeatedly turned away the Keydets' chances, helping Howard preserve its one-goal advantage.
Howard created opportunities to add to its lead with
Zach Simmons (Rockwall, Texas) putting two second-half shots on goal, forcing the Keydet in goal to make moves on both attempts. Kaban also forced a save in the 85
th minute.
The Keydets finished with an 18-7 advantage in total shots and earned 13 corner kicks compared to none for Howard, but the Bison defense held firm during the final minutes to secure the 2-1 victory.
Kaban led Howard with three shots and two shots on goal while Simmons recorded two shots, both on target. Sharp added a goal on his lone shot and Thomas provided the assist.
Keiller finished with five saves in 90 minutes of action.
Howard returns to action Tuesday, Sept. 22, traveling to Durham, N.C., to face Duke at 7 p.m.
For more information on Howard men's soccer, visit the official Howard Athletics website
www.hubison.com.
