Howard Drops Season Opener
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Jamie Davin scored the game’s first goal on a free kick and Sane Alassane added two insurance goals in the second half to lead American University to a 3-0 win over Howard University (0-1) in the opening round of the DC Cup Classic at American University.
Davin’s goal came at the 14:10 mark from 25 yards out that gave the Eagles (1-0) a boost and rattled the young Bison, who have nine first or second year players on the roster.
“Early on, we had good possessions and good movement of the ball,” said Howard Coach Michael Lawrence. “But then we make that one mistake and give up the free kick and it rattled us a bit.”
We have a number of players who are new to the college game and you are going to have mistakes.”
The veteran Eagles led, 1-0 at the half and held an advantage in shots on goals (5-1), and in corner kicks (6-1).
The Bison re-grouped in the second half and had opportunities but failed to cash in. Alassane, on the other hand, was able to take advantage of American opportunities and Howard mistakes, scoring in the 53rd minutes on an assists from Jack Scott and then closing out the scoring seven minutes later off a pass from Colin Seigfreid.
“We had some positives in the second half,” said Lawrence. “We would make a mistake and miss opportunities. Those are the things that we have to clear up. Being able to finish the final third. We have a lot of work to do.”
Phillip Borde led Howard with 5 shots, including 3 on goal while Frederick Burgess attempted 3 shots.
The Bison will be looking to rebound when they take on George Washington University at 12 noon in the Classic next round at American.