BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Sophomore Romario Guscott converted a cross from classmate Rasmus Hansen in the 86th minute to break a 1-1 tie and propel the LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team to a thrilling 2-1 victory over No. 22 Rider on Friday evening at LIU Field. The win is the first over a ranked team for an LIU side since Nov. 1, 1989, when the Blackbirds defeated No. 11 Fairleigh Dickinson, 1-0.

LIU Brooklyn had the best opportunity in a scoreless first half, when sophomore Simen Hestnes rattled a shot off the left post in the 40th minute from close range. The Blackbirds and Broncs each had six shots and neither team allowed a corner kick in what was a pretty even opening 45 minutes.

The second half opened up for each offense, with the first strike coming from the Blackbirds in the 66th minute. Guscott fired a shot that was deflected into the air and propelled over the Rider defense. Hestnes alertly sprinted by the defense and poked a shot past Broncs goalkeeper Ryan Baird to put LIU in front, 1-0.

Rider responded in kind less than 10 minutes later, as last season's Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament MVP Elliott Otmani was the setup man on the equalizer. Otmani took a pass from Adrien Huss along the left side and sent a ball for Clement Bourret, who chipped a deflection inside the near post to tie the score.

The contest looked destined to advance past regulation, with each side fending off the other to deny scoring opportunities. Hestnes has a header chance in the 80th minute that went wide of goal, while Rider's Fernando Pena had an opportunity of his own that was saved neatly by LIU goalkeeper Logan Keys.

With less than five minutes remaining in regulation, Hestnes sent a ball over the top to sophomore Rasmus Hansen down the left side. Hansen directed a cross to the far post and found Guscott, who finished from point-blank range to bump the Blackbirds back in front.

Rider's best opportunity to equalize down the stretch came in the 89th minute but Clement's shot was corralled by Keys and LIU was able to milk the rest of the clock to secure the victory. Keys closed with six stops in the contest to secure his third victory of the year.

LIU Brooklyn returns to action at LIU Field on Sunday, Sept. 18 against Manhattan. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.