BOYDS, Md. - Ari Bezanson's brace and Bianca Howitt's first career goal helped Colgate defeat American 3-1 on Saturday afternoon at Maryland SoccerPlex.

Bezanson now leads the Patriot League in goals with 11 and ranks second in the conference in points with 23.

COACH HOKANSON'S COMMENTS

"This league is such a grind week in and week out. American did a really good job of disrupting what we wanted to do, so we had to find  other solutions. I felt as though we worked really hard defensively as a whole team to make their chances difficult. Good play from both of our GKs today too. Ultimately, it's huge to find 3 points on the road, especially on a day when I didn't feel that we were at our best. Huge testament to our team to staying committed to one another to grind out a result."

HOW IT HAPPENED

With under 15 minutes left in the match and the game level at one, Ari Bezanson picked off an American pass in the attacking third and calmly dispatched the ball into the bottom right corner of the net giving the Raiders a 2-1 lead. 

Bianca Howitt picked up the ball near the top of the American 18-yard box and caressed the ball into the bottom right corner with just over six minutes left to give the Raiders an insurance goal.

Popham smothered a dangerous cross halfway through the second half to keep Colgate all square in the match.

Popham was called into duty again moments later as American was able to get in behind the Raiders backline and took a shot on Popham at close range but the senior was equal to it, deflecting the ball safely wide.

Ella Poppinga made the first big save of the match just ten minutes in, popping the ball into the air and smothering any effort at a rebound for American.

Poppinga made another incredible save at the back post 25 minutes into the first half. The cross from American fell back post for a free header and Poppinga sprawled out to keep the score level at zero.

Ava McCloskey took a free kick with six minutes left in the half forcing the American goalkeeper to come out and make a save.

Ari Bezanson found space centrally with just a few minutes left in the half. Bezanson took the ball on the half turn and fired from 20 yards out finding the bottom left corner. The goal was Bezanson's tenth of the season.

Alli Popham started the second half in between the pipes for the Raiders.

American was able to score the equalizing goal 40 seconds into the second half on a corner kick.

UP NEXT
The Raiders (4-8-2, 2-2-1) return home for a three game homestand as they play host to Lehigh on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Beyer-Small '76 Field.