Women’s Soccer Begins Season 2-1 

Rockville, MD – The women's soccer team was finally able to take the field on Friday, September 2, to kick-off their 2022 season. After numerous cancellations and postponements, the Raptors opened their season against Monroe College, the #5 team in the nation, the same team which ended the Raptors season in the 2021 District final.   

In the season opener, the Raptor's defense held firm, through the first half, conceding only once as Sophomore Goalkeeper Lizzy Mayo made several big saves. However, in the second half, the Mustangs came out hot, scoring five goals in the first 15 minutes. The deficit proved to be too much for the Raptors as they dropped the match 6-0. Lizzy Mayo continued her All-Region form from 2021 and made 11 saves in the match.  

The Raptors were back in action on Tuesday, September 6, as they hosted Penn State Mont Alto for a non-conference match. Montgomery College was able to get on the board early on a Sabrina DI Marzio goal from distance against the Nittany Lion GK. Nieve Barry doubled the lead after depositing the ball passed the goalkeeper. The Raptors continued to threaten throughout the match but were unable to add a third. The game proved to be a great bounce-back win for the Raptors in which they controlled possession and broke down any significant scoring chances for Mont Alto.  

Montgomery College was home, once again, on Thursday, September 8 to host Christendom College in another non-conference match. The Raptors were looking to build upon their success in the previous game and continue to develop their principles and foundations. This match had much of the same tone as Tuesday's, but it took a little longer to get on the board for Montgomery College. In the 41st minute, Sabrina DI Marzio started the scoring after receiving a pass, beating a few defenders and slipping the ball past the approaching Crusader GK. Just a few minutes later Aiden Carpen played a ball over the top of the Christendom backline to Ayla Khorsand who chipped the GK and hit the crossbar. A rushing Jenny Phan was able to redirect the ball back in goal to give the Raptors a 2-0 lead at the end of the first half.  

The Raptors backline, led by Elijae Cobbs, had another stellar performance and didn't allow a single shot in the match against Christendom. In the last two matches, the defense allowed two shots on goal and only one through the run of play.  

The Raptors are back in action this week as they begin conference play against Howard Community College on Tuesday, September 13 at 5 pm and Thursday, September 15 at 5:00 pm against College of Southern Maryland. Both matches are played at the soccer stadium on the Rockville campus and will precede the men's kick-off against the same teams.