BALTIMORE – Senior forward Alek Wroblewski headed in a corner kick with 9:47 remaining to give the host UMBC Men's Soccer team a thrilling 3-2 victory against the Howard Bison in front of 3,206 fans on Monday evening at Retriever Soccer Park.

UMBC, who improved to 1-0-1 in the young season, never trailed in the contest, but the Bison (0-2-0) were able to respond after the hosts took the lead on two occasions.

"We had a great start to the game, but they scored just before halftime to change the game. Howard kept responding, but I give a lot of credit to our guys. Alek scored a great goal at the right time. I thought everyone dug in, and we got the win. We have emphasized our set pieces from the spring, and we know that we have to get better at those chances and find different ways to score goals. Today, that area of the game was magnificent."

Howard knotted the score at 2-2 with 20:28 remaining on a tally by forward Daniil Kaban. The freshman scored from point-blank range after receiving a cross from the right end line by senior forward Bryson Baker.

The Retrievers answered just over ten minutes later as they gained a corner kick after junior forward Robbie Ryerson's laser from the top of the box was deflected over the crossbar by Howard freshman goalie Liam Keiller. 

Senior midfielder Ismailcan Usta sent a left-footed corner from the right side to the near post, and Wroblewski managed to direct the ball into the upper left corner of the net with a header that just eluded the right-hand of Keiller.

"We were very good on set pieces from the start today and Izzy {Ismailcan} delivered another perfect ball," Wroblewski said. "I was just on the front post and got a good flick on it. The keeper couldn't see the ball, and it was good result.  It was such a relief, and we needed that win before a great home crowd who supported us tonight."

UMBC took a 2-1 lead in the 63rd minute as graduate student midfielder Giuseppe Indelicato flicked in an extended header from the center of the box after taking a feed from the right corner by Hans Nesheim. Sophomore defender Jojo Ocran was also credited with an assist as he played the ball to the corner from the midfield mark.

The Retrievers took a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute of the opening half as senior forward Loc San volleyed home a loose ball, which Keiller punched out to the center of the box following a corner kick.

The Bison got even just before halftime as Peter Gansallo scored an unassisted goal with just 1:43 left in the stanza.

UMBC outshot the visitors by an 18-7 margin and took seven corner kicks compared to just one by the Bison.