Injuries Contribute To Howard's Home Loss

Washington, DC-September 17, 2006-Shakir Davy got Howard off to a good start, but it was not enough as the Bison suffered another second half meltdown and succumbed to St. Francis (PA), 3-1 in a non-conference match at Greene Stadium.

            Davy scored the game's first goal at the 9:45 mark and Howard appeared to be in good shape as it took that lead to the lockeroom at halftime.

            "We were depending on the one-point lead in the first half and we fell into a comfort zone," said junior Anton Render.

            But Aaron Chapman of the Red Flash (2-5) changed all that when he tied the game on an unassisted goal in the 72^nd minute and later helped with the go-ahead goal by assisting Scott Thompson in the 82^nd minute.  St. Francis added an insurance goal three minutes later.  The Red Flash held a 9-4 advantage on shots in the second half.

            The Bison, who suffered a similar fate in a recent loss to James Madison, were again playing with a number of key performers.

            "Injuries are just a part of soccer," explained Howard coach Keith Tucker.  "They were playing well today, but we are missing a lot of key players."

            Howard (1-5-1) plays at the University of Maryland Baltimore County on Wednesday at 3 pm before traveling to Garden City, NY next Saturday to take on Adelphi in the Atlantic Soccer Conference opener at 1 pm.

            "I think the injuries should heal by the conference opener," said Tucker.  "Most of them (injuries) are minor, so we are in good shape."

Saint Francis (2-5-0)                0          3          3

Howard (1-5-1)                       1          0          1

GOALS: HU-Davy, 9:45; SF-Chapman, 71:43; Thompson, 81:30; Pamboe-Adjeman, 85:42.

ASSISTS:HU-Hyde; SF-Chapman and Daniel.

SHOTS: HU-5; SF-17

SHOTS ON GOAL: HU-3; SF-7

CORNER KICKS: HU-2; SF-3

SAVES: HU-4; SF-2