Men’s Soccer Scores Late to Beat Bryant 1-0 Sunday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team escaped with a late win Sunday afternoon at Bryant University, as junior Marius Koss scored in the 82nd minute to give the Blackbirds a 1-0 win. With the victory, LIU is now 11-4-1 on the season, and 6-1 in Northeast Conference action. The Blackbirds, who clinched their spot in the NEC tournament last week, are still in the hunt to host the championship event for the first time since 2015. LIU is currently in first place in the standings, with 18 total points, just one ahead of second place Saint Francis U. (5-0-2), with one game left for each team to play. Saint Francis U. will take on local rival Robert Morris, Friday, November 12 on the road at 1 p.m., while the Blackbirds will host FDU, Saturday, November 3 at 1 p.m. on LIU Field. Should SFU beat RMU Friday, LIU will have to win Saturday to earn the right to host. Against Bryant, though the Blackbirds were outshot 11-9, freshman keeper Sam Ilin had four saves in net to shut out the Bulldogs Sunday. LIU also had a 5-1 advantage on corner kicks, while Bryant had 14 fouls to LIU's five. LIU's lone goal came late in the game. On a defensive clear, senior Rasmus Hansen collected the ball midfield, and double teamed, passed it out to the sideline, where Koss was streaking up the left side. Koss collected the ball and wailed it from way above the 18, on a perfect kick that sailed to the top corner of the net, evading Bryant's goalie. The Blackbirds would withstand Bryant's late offensive effort, including blocking a shot with just minutes to play, earning their sixth conference win of the season. It was Koss's fourth goal of the season, and third game-winner this year, while Hansen notched his first assist of the season, and Ilin recorded his fourth shutout. Up next, the Blackbirds wrap up the regular season hosting Fairleigh Dickinson, Saturday, November 3rd at 1 p.m. on LIU Field.