Howard Gets First Win in DC Cup
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Howard University men’s soccer team rebounded with a hard-fought, dramatic 1-0 win over George Washington University in the DC Cup at Reeves Field on the campus of American University. The win marks the first time that the Bison have won a game in the annual event.
Howard (1-1) demonstrated poise and teamwork. Playing before a near capacity crowd on a cool Saturday afternoon, the Bison dominated possession for most of the game, stringing together many good moves that nearly ended with a goal on several occasions. One such occasion started with a neat combination on the sideline between seniors Jamil Devers and Ray Ekobena that nearly resulted in a goal early in the contest.
The second half proved to be much of the same, and it remained deadlocked until Howard freshman, Mario Martin, broke through to finish the Colonials (0-2) off with 30 seconds remaining.
The Bison displayed a significant improvement from the first game of the season, a 4-0 loss to American University on Wednesday. First year, transfer player Kashmar Briscoe, senior, Jamil Devers, and sophomore, Philip Borde seized control of the midfield while Anye Ngalla and Gary Clark were solid in defense.
After a string of passes, freshman Joseph Dichiara from Canada found Kashmar Briscoe, who cleverly penetrated the George Washington defense with a beautiful pass. It appeared to catch the Colonials defense flat-footed, allowing Martin (Jamaica) to use his speed to outrun the GW defense.
After shedding two Colonial defenders, Briscoe clinically slotted the ball home to secure the win for the Bison.
“I was very impressed with the way the players bounced back as team,” said Howard head coach Michael Lawrence. “They really showed a lot of character and determination. The way we worked for each other was what I was most impressed with. We have our goals and nothing will distract us from accomplishing them.”
Devers and Martin were named to the all-tournament team. The Bison open their home season on Tuesday, September 7 at 7 pm in Greene Stadium. It will be Fan Appreciation Day.
