COLUMBIA, Md. — The College of Southern Maryland men’s soccer team fell 4-0 to Howard Community College in its Maryland JUCO Conference and Region 20 opener August 26, 2025, at Dragon Stadium. Howard scored twice in each half while outshooting CSM 25-9, improving to 1-0 overall and 1-0 in conference. CSM dropped to 0-1-1 overall and 0-1 in conference after a season-opening tie.
Howard struck early in the first half. Bryan Barrientos scored at 4:37 unassisted, followed by Donnie Frayer at 14:06 unassisted, giving the Dragons a 2-0 lead at halftime. In the second half, Yeabsira Tesfaye extended the margin to 3-0 at 69:00 unassisted, and Rafa Benitez closed the scoring at 77:17 unassisted. Denny Mora recorded the lone assist for Howard on one of the goals, though the summary does not specify which.
CSM freshman goalkeeper Matthew Knapp made 12 saves in 90 minutes, facing 16 shots on goal from Howard’s barrage. Jonathan Sanchez earned the shutout for Howard with six saves against CSM’s six shots on target. Aydyn Meaders led CSM’s offense with three shots, two on goal. Donovan Dean and Fondjo Ulrich Kamyou each had two shots on goal. Josky Densie and Zion Abdullah added one shot apiece, with Abdullah’s off target.
Howard’s attack was balanced, with Barrientos and Mora each taking four shots, three on goal. Tesfaye had three shots, two on goal, while Benitez and Frayer each scored on efficient efforts. The Dragons held advantages in corner kicks 2-1 and offsides 5-0, while fouls were close at nine for Howard and seven for CSM.
Discipline played a role in the second half. CSM’s Ryan Kopicko received a yellow card at 12:36 and a red card at 69:00, leaving the Hawks a man down. Shamar McKen earned a red card at 81:25, and the team received a red card at 70:16. Dominic Porovne picked up a yellow at 22:06. For Howard, Predrag Ilic got a yellow at 66:06, and Tesfaye at 80:46.
The loss extended Howard’s winning streak in the series to two games, with the Dragons now leading 11-3 since 2012. CSM’s last victory over Howard came September 26, 2023, in a 4-0 shutout. Howard’s most recent win before this was a 2-0 decision October 1, 2024, at CSM’s Soccer Field in La Plata. The series history reflects Howard’s dominance, though CSM has shown capability in past matchups.
CSM entered the game following a 0-0 tie against Cape Fear Community College August 24 at home. Knapp recorded six saves for his first collegiate shutout in that contest, with Meaders, Hayden Miller and Marvin Bates-Williams each contributing two shots. Cape Fear outshot CSM 18-10, but the Hawks’ defense held firm.The tie marked a solid defensive start under first-year head coach Nick Porovne, who took over after a 2-9-2 season in 2024.
Porovne’s roster features a mix of eight sophomores and numerous freshmen, many from Southern Maryland high schools such as North Point and Thomas Stone. Key returners include goalkeeper Brandon Rollins, forwards Xavier Lalanne, Antone Perry and Miller, defenders Bryce Lawson and Josky Densie, and midfielders Zach Cooper and Abdullah. Freshmen like Knapp, Noah Barlow in goal, midfielders Dean, Henri Mietchop and Nelson Acevedo Jr., and others bolster the squad. The team aims to end a 17-year drought without a Maryland JUCO Athletic Conference championship, focusing on defensive improvements after allowing a 5.82 goals-against average last season while scoring 1.38 goals per game.
In 2023-24, CSM scored 51 goals in 19 games for a 2.68 average, indicating potential for offensive rebound. The program, part of NJCAA Division II Region 20, develops local talent and competes in a conference with teams like Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Frederick. Last season’s highlights included a win over Carroll Community College and a tie against Frederick, showing resilience despite the record.
Howard, coming off an 8-7-1 record in 2024 with a 5-3-1 conference mark, demonstrated strong offense in the opener. Players like Barrientos, a forward, and Mora, who led with four shots, paced the attack. The Dragons’ roster includes experienced contributors, with Sanchez providing stability in net. Howard’s schedule includes conference games against teams like Frederick, where they lost a 3-2 upset last season.
CSM’s 2025 schedule spans 14 regular-season games, with home contests against Trinity Washington September 5 at 7 p.m., Carroll September 10 at 7 p.m., and others including Potomac State October 3 and Garrett October 11. The full slate is available on the team’s site. Region 20 tournament play follows, with CSM seeking postseason qualification.
The Hawks next face Anne Arundel Community College September 2 at 7 p.m. in Arnold. Anne Arundel, a conference rival, provides another early test as CSM works to integrate its young roster and build momentum.
