Close Contest Ends in UDC's 7-6 Defeat

SPARKS, Md. — UDC (0-1) fell to the Falcons (1-1) by a narrow 7-6 margin on Sunday at Tierney Field. Despite a balanced attack, UDC's efforts were stymied by Felician's three power-play goals. UDC managed to win 10 of the 15 faceoffs, but their 23 turnovers ultimately hindered the comeback attempt. Felician's decisive goal in the third quarter proved to be the game-winner.

The first quarter opened with District of Columbia taking an early advantage as Joshua Copeland scored with an assist from Myles Henry at 14:21. Kelvin Pham facilitated this momentum by winning the faceoff and securing the ground ball. Despite a turnover, District of Columbia managed to keep Felician in check initially.

Felician responded with two goals, including a man-up goal by Damian Carrigan, which briefly put them ahead. However, District of Columbia quickly equalized as Myles Henry found the net with help from Amairus Sekajipo, bringing the score to 2-2. The quarter concluded with both teams even, setting up a competitive match moving forward.

Felician took control early in the second quarter with a goal by Liam Dunn, assisted by Connor Langdon, at 13:24. District of Columbia responded with a strong defensive effort, including a ground ball pickup by Patrick Nyarko and a successful clear attempt, but struggled to capitalize on offensive opportunities, with multiple shots by Myles Henry and Amairus Sekajipo saved or going wide.

Despite maintaining pressure, District of Columbia was unable to convert during an extra-man opportunity following a penalty on Felician. Felician's defense held firm, as Landon Santangelo made critical saves. The quarter closed with Felician leading 3-2, as District of Columbia remained in pursuit of finding its offensive rhythm.

The third quarter began with Felician quickly capitalizing on an opportunity, as Connor Langdon scored at 12:44, with an assist from Stanley Labady II. Shortly afterward, Felician added another goal on a man-up situation by Liam Dunn. UDC responded with a resilient effort, as Amairus Sekajipo found the back of the net at 8:54, assisted by Myles Henry, to close the gap to 5-3.

However, Felician extended its lead with a goal from Damian Carrigan at 5:27. UDC continued to battle, generating several shot attempts, but was unable to convert further before the end of the quarter. The quarter ended with Felician leading 6-3.

District of Columbia began the fourth quarter with significant momentum, as Kalam Howlett scored with an assist from Myles Henry at 13:28, followed quickly by a goal from Alan Fuentes. This offensive surge tied the game at 6-6.

Amairus Sekajipo then found the back of the net at 5:01, briefly giving District of Columbia the lead. However, Felician responded with a man-up goal by Zach Garlinger, assisted by Connor Langdon, leveling the score once again at 6-6.

Despite several defensive stops by Israel Amajioyi, including key saves at 3:57 and 1:15, District of Columbia could not regain the lead. The quarter concluded with Felician holding a narrow 7-6 advantage.

The Firebirds are back in action next Sunday, traveling to N.Y. to face off against Dominican College.