BROOKLYN, N.Y. – For the second time this season, the result of a Northeast Conference men's soccer game came down to sophomore Christoffer Bjarre Solbakken's head for the LIU Brooklyn men's soccer team. And for the second time this season, the Baerums, Norway native came through for the Blackbirds, scoring a game-winning goal to lift his team to victory. Friday night, Solbakken's game-winning header came in a 1-0 victory over Bryant at LIU Field.

With the win, LIU moves to 5-7-2 overall, and 4-1-0 in Northeast Conference action. The Blackbirds are currently in second place in the NEC standings with 12 points, two points back from league-leading St. Francis Brooklyn with two games left to play.

Friday's game was evenly matched in nearly every statistical category. The two teams went back and forth in the first half, getting a flurry of shots off at various times, but neither school would score, and the game was tied, 0-0 at the half. Bryant keeper Nick Stewart kept his team in the game with several strong saves in the first half, including an incredible play in the 36th minute. Just 90 seconds after entering the game, LIU junior Romario Guscott had an incredible cutting header right in front of the net that looked like it was going in. But Stewart made a diving one-handed save, and kept LIU scoreless until halftime.

The Blackbirds would finally break through in the 53^rd minute. With LIU in possession, junior Rasmus Hansen out to the right side, where junior Filip Nordstrom was waiting. Nordstrom took one touch and crossed it into the box. Solbakken was cutting in on the far side of the box, and with a running header, sneaked the ball passed Bryant's keeper on the left side to get the Blackbirds on the board, 1-0.

LIU would also have several strong chances later in the half. Hansen had a shot that was just inches left of the net, and Solbakken had a hard-hit shot that was blocked by the defense. But neither would go in, and the Blackbirds' defense had to protect the one goal lead as time ran down.

Freshman Anthony Sciola made five saves in net to keep the Bulldogs scoreless, earning his fourth win of the year and second shutout of the season.

Up next, the Blackbirds travel across the Hudson River take on Fairleigh Dickinson, Sunday, October 29 at 6 p.m. With a win or a tie against the Knights, the Blackbirds can clinch a spot in the postseason tournament.