Men's Soccer: No. 2 Knights Cage Fighting Owls 3-1, Improve to 4-0

By Devon Douglas

Rosedale, Md. -- CCBC Essex extended its record to 4-0 on the season, including 2-0 at home, after defeating the Harford Fighting Owls 3-1 last Saturday afternoon.

This was the first meeting of the two teams since October 2019 where CCBC Essex won 7-1.

Dating back to 2013, the Knights are 9-1-1 against Harford.

Essex entered Saturday's match averaging six goals and 18.3 shots per match.

They've now outscored their opponents 21-3 this season.

The Knights found a rhythm early on by possessing the ball and setting the tempo. They came out aggressive, finding many opportunities to put shots on goal.

Harford's back line displayed impressive team defense and held off the Knights from finding the back of the net until the 12th minute.

Sophomore and captain, Kota Tsuchisawa (Yaita, Tochigi, Japan) score on a corner kick from Sam Mejia (Riverdale, Md.) Tsuchisawa finished the low-driven service back post.

Tsuchisawa impressed in the match as he led the back line by stopping many goal threatening opportunities and made several long passes into space for teammates.

Because of Harford's defensive efforts, they found a few chances by playing long balls into space for their wingers.

One opportunity resulted in a goal that came at 22:31 to tie the score 1-1.

In the second half, the Knights took control of the game.

Harford found more offensive opportunities through the Knights' mistakes but couldn't find the back of the net.

CCBC Essex closed out the match by converting on two penalty kicks.

Right back Ethan Stewart (Fairfax, Va.) won the first penalty for the Knights after he drove down the right flank and was tripped just inside in the box.

Mejia, who assisted the Knights first goal, stepped up to the spot and buried the PK just three minutes into the second half.

The Knights second penalty kick, and final goal of the match, came in the 71' minute, due to a handball against Harford.

Andy Portillo (Laurel, Md.) took the shot and drove the ball into the upper right corner to cap the scoring.

Portillo is leading the Knights with nine points and in total shots with 20. He is second in assists with three and tied with three others for first for the team-lead in goals.

Portillo, Mejia, Henry Ortiz (Mount Airy, MD), and Sam Diaz (Lanham, MD) all lead the Knights with three goals each.

Goalie Brendan LeMaster (Bowie, Md.) saw little action in the game. However, when Harford got opportunities on goal, he shined by saving three of the four shots that came his way. With eight saves so far this season, LeMaster is sporting a .800 save percentage and 0.56 goals against average.

Next Up

The Knights will travel to Harcum College for the next match on April 15. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m.