BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The LIU Brooklyn women's soccer team dropped a 2-1, overtime decision to Saint Francis University in the Northeast Conference opener for both schools on Friday. In a match contested in poor conditions that included a steady rain and high winds, the Red Flash scored in the 95th minute off a rebound to pickup their first league win of the year.

The Blackbirds controlled the pace of play in the early going, and in the 18th minute cashed in as a free kick from senior Lucy Gunton-Jones led to the go-ahead goal. Gunton-Jones, who picked up her team-leading fifth assist on the year, sent the ball into the box and found junior Madison Gomez, who neatly finished with a header to put LIU Brooklyn in front 1-0.

In the 35th minute, SFU countered with a goal from Paige Butler as she tapped home a loose ball after her teammate Casey Gallaher hit the crossbar with an initial shot. The goal tied the match at 1-1 heading into intermission.

Despite going against the wind in the second half, LIU had numerous opportunities to take the lead. In the 61st minute, redshirt sophomore Allegra Ondrejka had her attempt saved as part of four shots on goal by the Blackbirds over a 5:23 span. With time winding down, another free kick from Gunton-Jones from the right side nearly led to the game-winner as junior Chloe Amaradio just missed on a header opportunity in the 89th minute.

In the overtime period, LIU once again nearly won the contest as junior Tori Shinkowitz sent a pass into the box that was intended for Ondrejka in the 93rd minute. A Red Flash defender flicked it over Ondrejka's head and the ball just slid wide of the far post for a corner kick. The Blackbirds had back-to-back corners but could not get a shot away, before Gallaher's heroics gave the visitors the win.

Redshirt freshman Erin Harbison tallied five saves for LIU Brooklyn while Romina Kunze stopped seven shots for the Red Flash, who also picked up their first victory of the season.

LIU Brooklyn (3-8-0, 0-1-0 NEC) returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 4 at Central Connecticut. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.