Gross Helps Howard To Season's First Win

In the opening game of the weekend's Drexel Invitational Tournament, Howard University pulled off an improbable victory despite being outshot, 20-5 by La Salle. The Bison made the most of their scoring opportunities, tallying timely goals in each half and holding on for a 2-1 win over the Explorers.  It was the first win of the season for Howard (1-2-1).

Nasheed Sabree scored the game's first goal when he unleashed a screaming shot from the top of the penalty box that found the upper corner of the far side of the net just five and a half minutes into the match. Jason Gross was credited with the assist as Howard took a 1-0 lead.

La Salle squared things before the end of the period when Jim Davis served up a corner kick that Joe Heavey headed into the net to knot the match at 1-1. The Explorers (1-3) went on to outshoot the Bison, 11-2 in the second stanza.

But Howard needed no more than the two shots to take the lead. Gross, the senior team captain, delivered the assist once again, this time sliding the ball over to freshman Joel Senior who sliced a shot into the net giving Howard the decisive 2-1 advantage.  It was Senior's first goal of his career.

In the net, Howard goalkeeper Chris Taylor made four saves and Andrew Bernhard stopped two for the Explorers.

Howard faces the host Drexel Dragons at 3 pm on Sunday, Sept. 10 after La Salle takes on UMBC at 12 noon.

Howard (1-2-1)           1          1          2

LaSalle (1-3)                1          0          1

GOALS: HU-Sabree, 5:27; Senior, 60:42;  LAS: Heavey, 39:04

ASSISTS: HU-Gross, 2; LAS-Davis

SHOTS: HU-5; LAS-20

SHOTS ON GOAL: HU-4; LAS-7

SAVES: HU-4; LAS-2

CORNER KICKS: HU-3; LAS-11