Howard Community College women’s soccer opened the 2026 season with a 3-1 loss to Carroll Community College on Tuesday afternoon in Columbia, Maryland, despite 18 saves from goalkeeper Sophia Newman.
Carroll Community College Builds Halftime Lead
Carroll Community College scored in the 28th and 42nd minutes to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Howard Community College defenders Anica Munoz and Caly Smithson helped limit the pressure, while freshman goalkeeper Sophia Newman made 18 saves over 90 minutes.
Howard Community College answered two minutes into the second half. Maeve Daly stole the ball and fed Ashly Dominguez, who scored to bring the Dragons within one goal at 2-1.
Dragons Create Equalizing Chances
Gabriela Rodriguez recorded three shots, all on target, as Howard Community College pursued an equalizer. Rodriguez appeared to score a tying goal, but the referee disallowed the play after ruling that she interfered with the Carroll Community College goalkeeper.
The referee also ruled that contact between a Carroll Community College defender’s outstretched hand and the ball inside the penalty box was incidental. Carroll Community College scored again in the 83rd minute to complete the 3-1 result.
Howard Community College earned two second-half corner kicks, while Carroll Community College held a 22-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Dragons opened the season with a 0-1 record and are scheduled to host Prince George’s on Friday, August 28, at 4:30 p.m.
MSB Analysis
Howard Community College responded quickly after falling behind, with Maeve Daly assisting Ashly Dominguez for the Dragons’ goal. Sophia Newman’s 18 saves kept Howard Community College within reach, but Carroll Community College’s advantage in shots on goal and its third goal in the 83rd minute secured the result.
Source: Original report
