Owls Come Up Short In Close Contest vs. #7 CCBC Essex

Prince George's Community College men's soccer team closed out the 2023 regular season on Thursday evening, falling to the #7 ranked (D2) CCBC Essex Knights, 2-0. The Owls finish the year with a 6-6-1 record which included a 4-6-1 finish in conference play as the only Division 3 program.  

A competitive game to the end, the Owls caught a break early when an Essex penalty kick sailed high in the 18^th minute. Prince George's was then on the attack with momentum just minutes later and looked to have a shot at taking control when freshman Jose Flores delivered a header onto goal which rattled off the crossbar. The Knights were able to clear the ball and would score two minutes later in the 25^th following a misplayed ball in the Owls own defensive side to take the lead, 1-0.

Prince George's was forced to pack the box and remained solid on defense as the first half ticked away, defending five consecutive corner kicks from Essex while allowing only two shots during that stretch to enter halftime in a tightly contested contest.

Essex came out firing in the second half, but the Owls remained stout against the Knights attack which was highlighted by four saves from Prince George's keeper Bilal Odeh during a 7-minute span which helped to keep Prince George's in the game. The Owls managed a couple of attempts towards goal in the second half but were unable to come up with any success. The Knights would capitalize on an opportunity in the 85^th minute to make it 2-0 and close out the regular season for Prince George's.

The Owls will now quickly turn their attention towards Harrisburg Area Community College who visits Largo on Saturday, October 21^st for a 12 o'clock matchup in the first round of the East B District Tournament. The Owls previously defeated the Hawks 8-1 at the beginning of the month in their only division 3 game of the season and will look to repeat the same result to keep their season alive.